Bioresorbable Nonwoven Patches as Taxane Delivery Systems for Prostate Cancer Treatment.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males. In the case of locally advanced prostate cancer radical prostatectomy is one of the first-line therapy. However, recurrence after resection of the tumor can appear. Drug-eluting bioresorbable implants acting locally in the area of the tumor or the resection margins, that reduce the risk of recurrence would be advantageous. Electrospinning offers many benefits in terms of local delivery so fiber-forming polyesters and polyestercarbonates which are suitable to be drug-loaded were used in the study to obtain CTX or DTX-loaded electrospun patches for local delivery. After a fast verification step, patches based on the blend of poly(glycolide-ε-caprolactone) and poly(lactide-glycolide) as well as patches obtained with poly(lactide-glycolide- ε-caprolactone) were chosen for long-term study. After three months, 60% of the drug was released from (PGCL/PLGA) + CTX and it was selected for final, anticancer activity analysis with the use of PC-3 and DU145 cells to establish its therapeutic potential. CTX-loaded patches reduced cell growth to 53% and 31% respectively, as compared to drug-free patches. Extracts from drug-free patches showed excellent biocompatibility with the PC-3 cell line. Cabazitaxel-loaded bioresorbable patches are a promising drug delivery system for prostate cancer therapy.

Populations of NK Cells and Regulatory T Cells in the Endometrium of Cycling Mares-A Preliminary Study.

Endometrial immune cells are essential to support uterine functions across the estrous cycle and in preparation for pregnancy. It has been acknowledged that changes in phenotype and/or numbers of lymphocytes, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and NK cells, might result in lower fertility in women and mice. Little is known about equine endometrial immune cells across the estrous cycle. Here, we compared the populations of endometrial Tregs and NK cells in estrus and diestrus in mares. Endometrial biopsy and blood samples were taken in estrus and diestrus from 11 mares ages 4-12 years. Flow cytometry with anti-CD4, -CD25 and -FOXP3 and anti-NKp46 and -CD3 antibodies was used to determine the populations of Tregs and NK cells, respectively. The concentration of progesterone was measured with chemiluminescence immunoassay. The results were analyzed with paired Student t tests. The mean percentage of endometrial CD4+FOXP3+ Tregs was 13.7 ± 6.2% in diestrus and 14.5 ± 5.9% in estrus, while the mean percentage of endometrial CD4+FOXP3+CD25+ Tregs changed from 3.6 ± 2.1% in diestrus to 2 ± 2% in estrus (p = 0.0947). The mean proportion of CD3-NKp46+ lymphocytes in the endometrium was not significantly different, with 6 ± 1% in estrus and 6.5 ± 1.4% in diestrus. There was a large variation in the percentage of NK cells between mares of 2.1-12.7%. This study showed, for the first time, the presence of CD4+FOXP3+CD25+ Tregs and CD3-NKp46+ NK cells in the endometrium of non-pregnant cycling mares. The percentage of Tregs, and to a greater extent NK cells, showed large fluctuations between mares. Both Tregs and NK cells might be important for the preparation of the endometrium for semen deposition and pregnancy; however, further research is required.

Mitochondrial DNA content and developmental competence of blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal heifer oocytes.

In the cattle-breeding industry, there is an increasing demand for in vitro embryo production from pre-pubertal heifers. In this study, we evaluated the differences in mitochondrial DNA content, oxidative stress, and developmental competence in blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal and pubertal heifers. We found higher mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in blastocysts produced from pre-pubertal heifers than from pubertal heifers. In the group of pre-pubertal animals, there was a significantly lower number of blastocysts produced in vitro from the same number of collected oocytes, and these blastocysts did not differ from those obtained from pubertal oocytes in terms of their morphological quality. The morphologically appropriate blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal heifers had higher concentrations of reactive oxygen species and glutathione. In blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal heifers, we found alterations in the expression of gene markers for developmental competence, which correlated with higher mitochondrial DNA content, suggesting a lower quality of blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal animals than from pubertal animals. The inadequate redox balance in blastocysts obtained from pre-pubertal females, along with higher mitochondrial DNA copy number, as well as differential gene expression of markers of developmental competence, elucidate the low quality of blastocysts derived from pre-pubertal animals, despite their unaltered morphology.

Judo training program improves brain and muscle function and elevates the peripheral BDNF concentration among the elderly.

Programmed exercise interventions modulating both physical fitness and cognitive functions have become a promising tool to support healthy aging. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of a 12-week judo training (JEX) on cognitive processing and muscle function among the elderly. Forty participants were divided into two groups: the JEX group and the control group (CTL). Before and after 12-week of JEX, participants performed a battery of physiological and psychological tests. The peripheral level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was analyzed. A 12-week JEX intervention led to improved Stroop performance reflected by a shortening of the response time related to Stroop "naming" interference. In addition, the peripheral concentration of BDNF was significantly increased following the JEX compared with the CTL group. In response to JEX, balance and lower limb strength significantly increased. The current results suggest that JEX could have beneficial effects on cognitive functions, denoted by elevated peripheral BDNF, as well as on balance and strength abilities. A combination of positive effects with respect to movement and cognition makes JEX an ideal preventive lifestyle modification for the aging population.

Impact of solvent dry down, vehicle pH and slowly reversible keratin binding on skin penetration of cosmetic relevant compounds: I. Liquids.

To measure progress and evaluate performance of the newest UB/UC/P&G skin penetration model we simulated an 18-compound subset of finite dose in vitro human skin permeation data taken from a solvent-deposition study of cosmetic-relevant compounds (Hewitt et al., J. Appl. Toxicol. 2019, 1-13). The recent model extension involved slowly reversible binding of solutes to stratum corneum keratins. The selected subset was compounds that are liquid at skin temperature. This set was chosen to distinguish between slow binding and slow dissolution effects that impact solid phase compounds. To adequately simulate the physical experiments there was a need to adjust the evaporation mass transfer coefficient to better represent the diffusion cell system employed in the study. After this adjustment the model successfully predicted both dermal delivery and skin surface distribution of 12 of the 18 compounds. Exceptions involved compounds that were cysteine-reactive, highly water-soluble or highly ionized in the dose solution. Slow binding to keratin, as presently parameterized, was shown to significantly modify the stratum corneum kinetics and diffusion lag times, but not the ultimate disposition, of the more lipophilic compounds in the dataset. Recommendations for further improvement of both modeling methods and experimental design are offered.

Mitochondrial Whole D-Loop Variability in Polish Draft Horses of Sztumski Subtype.

The Polish draft horse (PDH) breed is a result of crossing local mares with imported cold-blooded stallions, such as Belgians, Ardennes, Fjords, and others. A part of the broodmare stock investigated in this study was also imported from various countries, such as Denmark. In this study, we investigate the genetic composition of the PDH by analyzing the whole mitochondrial d-loop variability and comparing it to previously demonstrated whole d-loop sequences of other cold-blooded breeds: Ardennais, Belgian, Breton, Clydesdale, Noriker, Norwegian Fjord, Percheron, and Suffolk. Our results show high nucleotide diversity within the PDH population (π = 0.011), and the existence of two main haplogroups: one of relatively concise origin, with strong kinship to the Belgian breed, and the second showing close relation to the majority of other analyzed cold-blooded breeds. Some of the PDH maternal strains clustered separately, which can be a result of the influence of other unidentified breeds that served as a foundation stock for the present population. This present study explains the genetic relationship of the PDH to other cold-blooded breeds and indicates the high genetic diversity of the breed.

Synthesis of Polyacids by Copolymerization of l-Lactide with MTC-COOH Using Zn[(acac)(L)H2O] Complex as an Initiator.

This work presents the results of research on the preparation of bioresorbable functional polyestercarbonates containing side carboxyl groups. These copolymers were synthesized in two ways: the classic two-step process involving the copolymerization of l-lactide and a cyclic carbonate containing a blocked side carboxylate group in the form of a benzyl ester (MTC-Bz) and its subsequent deprotection, and a new way involving the one-step copolymerization of l-lactide with this same carbonate, but containing an unprotected carboxyl group (MTC-COOH). Both reactions were carried out under identical conditions in the melt, using a specially selected zinc chelate complex, with Zn[(acac)(L)H2O] (where: L-N-(pyridin-4-ylmethylene) phenylalaninate ligand) as an initiator. The differences in the kinetics of both reactions and their courses were pictured. The reactivity of the MTC-COOH monomer without a blocking group in the studied co-polymerization was much higher, even slightly higher than l-lactide, which allowed the practically complete conversion of the comonomers in a much shorter time. The basic final properties of the obtained copolymers and the microstructures of their chains were determined. The single-step synthesis of biodegradable polyacids was much simpler. Contrary to the conventional method, this made it possible to obtain copolymers containing all carbonate units with carboxyl groups, without even traces of the heavy metals used in the deprotection of the carboxyl groups, the presence of which is known to be very difficult to completely remove from the copolymers obtained in the two-step process.

Ultrasound of the chest and mediastinum in children, interventions and artefacts. WFUMB review paper (part 3).

Ultrasound (US) is an ideal diagnostic tool for paediatric patients owning to its high spatial and temporal resolution, realtime imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation and bedside availability. The lack of superficial adipose tissue and favourable acoustic windows in children makes US the first line of investigation for evaluation of pleural and chest wall abnormalities.In the first part of the topic the technical requirements were explained and the use of ultrasound in the lung and pleura in paediatric patients were discussed. In the second part lung parenchymal diseases with their subpleural consolidations are reflected. In the third part, the use of ultrasound for chest wall, mediastinum, diaphragmatic diseases, trachea, interventions and artifacts in paediatric patients are summarized.

Modeling the Percutaneous Absorption of Solvent-deposited Solids Over a Wide Dose Range.

The transient absorption of two skin care agents, niacinamide (nicotinamide, NA) and methyl nicotinate (MN), solvent-deposited on ex vivo human skin mounted in Franz diffusion cells has been analyzed according to a new variation on a recently published mechanistic skin permeability model (Yu et al. 2020. J Pharm Sci 110:2149-56). The model follows the absorption and evaporation of two components, solute and solvent, and it includes both a follicular transport component and a dissolution rate limitation for high melting, hydrophilic solids deposited on the skin. Explicit algorithms for improving the simulation of transient diffusion of solvent-deposited solids are introduced. The simulations can account for the ex vivo skin permeation time course of both NA and MN over a dose range exceeding 4.5 orders of magnitude. The model allows one to describe on a mechanistic basis why the percutaneous absorption rate of NA is approximately 60-fold lower than that of its lower melting, more lipophilic analog, MN. It furthermore suggests that MN perturbs stratum corneum barrier lipids and increases their permeability while NA does not, presenting a challenge to molecular modelers engaged in simulating biological lipid barriers.

Assessment of encrustation and physicochemical properties of poly(lactide-glycolide) - Papaverine hydrochloride coating on ureteral double-J stents after long-term flow of artificial urine.

Implantation of ureteral stents is associated with inconvenience for the patient, which is related to the natural ability of the ureter to contract. The most frequently used solution is the systemic administration of a diastolic drug, which has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle cells and decreases inconvenience. Current interdisciplinary research aimed at reducing the complications after the implantation of ureteral stents used in the treatment of upper urinary tracts with regard to infection, initiation of encrustation, and fragmentation of stents, and patient pain has not been resolved. This study presents the results of research regarding the impact of a biodegradable coating with the active substance on the physical and chemical properties of ureteral stents used in the treatment of the upper urinary tract. The surface of polyurethane double-J stents was coated with poly(lactide-glycolide) (PLGA) 85/15 loaded with papaverine hydrochloride (PAP) with diastolic properties. The coating for ureteral stents has been designed for short-term implantation. The effect of the coating on the process of encrustation and PAP release by the dynamic in vitro model with artificial urine (AU) up to 30 days was evaluated. The influence of AU on the physical and chemical properties of ureteral stents was determined. As part of the study, surface structure and topography researches; chemical composition analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and wetting; and surface roughness studies of both PUR stents and coated stents were carried out. The proposed biodegradable PLGA+PAP coating is characterized by controlled drug release, while optimal physicochemical properties does not increase the encrustation process.

In Vitro Human Skin Absorption of Solvent-deposited Solids: Niacinamide and Methyl Nicotinate.

A quantitative understanding of the dose dependence of topical delivery is important to cosmetic and dermatological product development and to risk assessment for hazardous chemicals contacting the skin. Despite considerable research, predictive capability in this area remains limited. To this end we conducted an experimental skin absorption study of two closely related skin care agents, niacinamide (nicotinamide, NA) and methyl nicotinate (MN), and analyzed the results quantitatively using a transient diffusion model described separately (Yu et al. submitted for publication). Radiolabeled test compounds were solvent-deposited onto ex vivo human skin mounted in Franz diffusion cells over a dose range exceeding 4.5 orders of magnitude, and permeation was measured over a 1-4 day period. At low doses, the permeation rate of NA was approximately 60-fold lower than that of its lower melting, more lipophilic analog, MN; at high doses an even greater difference was observed. The difference can be qualitatively explained based on higher lipid solubility and lower crystallinity of MN relative to NA. Dissolution-limited mass transfer through a lipid layer at the SC surface is suggested. Relevance of the results to practical skin care formulations was confirmed by a parallel study of NA in an o/w emulsion.

Human-controlled reproductive experience may contribute to incestuous behavior observed in reintroduced semi-feral stallions (Equuscaballus).

Equine reproductive behavior is affected by many factors, some remaining poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that a period of captivity during the juvenile period and human-controlled reproduction may potentially be involved in the disruption of the development of incestuous mating avoidance behavior in sanctuary-reintroduced male Konik polski horses. Between 1986 and 2000, cases of incestuous behavior in harem stallions born and reared until weaning in the sanctuary were studied. Eight males lived in the sanctuary's feral herd for the rest of their lives (the non-captive group; nC). They gained their own harem of mares without human intervention (no human-controlled reproductive activity, nHC). Another five stallions were removed as weanlings, reared in captivity and then reintroduced as adults (captive, C). Three of these C stallions were used as in-hand breeding stallions, one as a "teaser" (human-controlled reproductive activity, HC) and one was not used for reproduction in captivity (nHC). Reproductive records for 46 mares, daughters of all 13 harem stallions, were scrutinized and cases of incestuous breeding were recorded by interrogation of foal parentage records. C stallions failed to expel more daughters than nC stallions (33% vs. 18%, P = 0.045), and mated with significantly more of them (28% vs. 11%, P = 0.025). Interestingly, HC stallions expelled fewer (60%) and successfully mated with more (33%) daughters that nHC stallions (84% expelled, P = 0.013, and 10% successful mating with daughters, P = 0.010). All HC stallions bred incestuously at least once. We propose that human intervention during a critical period of development of social and reproductive behavior in young stallions, by enforced separation from their natal herd and in-hand breeding, may contribute to their later aberrant behavior and disruption of inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in these stallions. The previous occurrence of human-controlled breeding may be one of the factors promoting incestuous behavior of stallions in natural conditions. The uninterrupted presence of stallions in their harems and herd member recognition may also play important roles in inbreeding avoidance in horses.

Short and long-term effects of high-intensity interval training applied alone or with whole-body cryostimulation on glucose homeostasis and myokine levels in overweight to obese subjects.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of physical inactivity and weight gain. Consequently, new strategies to counteract weight gain are being sought. Because of their accessibility, interval training and cold therapy are the most popular such strategies. We here aimed to examine the effect of 6 units of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), applied alone or in combination with 10 sessions of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC; 3 min at -110 ∘C per session) on incretins, myokines, and adipokines levels. Materials and methods: The study involved 65 subjects (body mass index of approximately 30 kg•m-2). The subjects were randomly divided into training group (TR; n = 27) and training supported by WBC group (TR-WBC; n = 38). Blood samples were collected before, immediately following, and 4 weeks after the intervention. Results: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels significantly increased (p = 0.03) and adiponectin levels increased in the TR group (p = 0.05) compared with those recorded in TR-WBC group 24 h after the end of experimental protocol. Beneficial changes in the lipid profile (p = 0.07), a significant drop in visfatin levels (p < 0.05), and the improvement in ß-cell function (HOMA-B; p = 0.02) were also observed in the TR group in the same time point of study. While TR-WBC did not induce similar changes, it ameliorated blood glucose levels (p = 0.03). Changes induced by both interventions were only sustained for 4 weeks after treatment. Conclusion: Collectively, HIIT, alone and in combination with WBC, positively affects metabolic indicators, albeit, most likely, different mechanisms drive the beneficial effects of different treatments.

Functional Properties of Polyurethane Ureteral Stents with PLGA and Papaverine Hydrochloride Coating.

Despite the obvious benefits of using ureteral stents to drain the ureters, there is also a risk of complications from 80-90%. The presence of a foreign body in the human body causes disturbances in its proper functioning. It can lead to biofilm formation on the stent surface, which may favor the development of urinary tract infections or the formation of encrustation, as well as stent fragmentation, complicating its subsequent removal. In this work, the effect of the polymeric coating containing the active substance-papaverine hydrochloride on the functional properties of ureteral stents significant for clinical practice were assessed. Methods: The most commonly clinically used polyurethane ureteral Double-J stent was selected for the study. Using the dip-coating method, the surface of the stent was coated with a poly(D,L-lactide-glycolide) (PLGA) coating containing the papaverine hydrochloride (PAP). In particular, strength properties, retention strength of the stent ends, dynamic frictional force, and the fluoroscopic visibility of the stent during X-ray imaging were determined. Results: The analysis of the test results indicates the usefulness of a biodegradable polymer coating containing the active substance for the modification of the surface of polyurethane ureteral stents. The stents coated with PLGA+PAP coating compared to polyurethane stents are characterized by more favorable strength properties, the smaller value of the dynamic frictional force, without reducing the fluoroscopic visibility.

Investigations of the maintenance system of the Konik Polski horse and its effects on fecal microbiota activity during the winter and summer seasons.

Gastrointestinal microbiota play a key role in the nutrients digestion and hence maintaining animal health and welfare. The diet offered to the animals in captivity may differ considerably from that on natural pastures. In a stabled maintenance system, horses have a limited choice of habitat and feed. Time spend for feeding is relevant for equine welfare because the reduction of the time devoted for foraging may be responsible for inducing gastric inflammation and ulceration. Therefore, in the present study, it was hypothesized that fecal bacterial fermentative processes differ between free-roaming and stabled Konik Polski Horses (KPHs) with respect to microbial enzymatic activity, and thus the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can be further utilized for assessing the feeding behavior and welfare in free-roaming versus stabled horses. The SCFA concentration and profile, as well as the extracellular and intracellular activities of selected bacterial enzymes, were characterized in horse feces collected during the winter and summer feeding seasons. The results showed higher enzymatic activity and SCFA production in the feces excreted by free-roaming versus stabled horses, especially during summer. An increase in pasture plant diversity may be beneficial for the gastrointestinal microbiota and hence for maintaining health and welfare.

Physical Properties of Electropolished CoCrMo Alloy Coated with Biodegradable Polymeric Coatings Releasing Heparin after Prolonged Exposure to Artificial Urine.

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of long-term exposure to artificial urine on the physical properties of CoCrMo alloy with biodegradable heparin-releasing polymeric coatings. Variants of polymer coatings of poly(L,L-lactide-ɛ-caprolactone) (P(L,L-L/CL)) and poly(D,L-lactide-ɛ-caprolactone) (P(D,L-L/CL)) constituting the base for heparin-releasing (HEP) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coatings were analyzed. The coatings were applied by the dip-coating method. Heparin was used to counteract the incrustation process in the artificial urine. The study included tests of wettability, resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, determination of the mass density of metal ions penetrating into the artificial urine, and the kinetics of heparin release. In addition, microscopic observations of surface roughness and adhesion to the metal substrate were performed. Electrolytically polished CoCrMo samples (as a reference level) and samples with polymer coatings were used for the tests. The tests were conducted on samples in the initial state and after 30, 60, and 90 days of exposure to artificial urine. The analysis of the test results shows that the polymer coatings contribute by improving the resistance of the metal substrate to pitting and crevice corrosion in the initial state and reducing (as compared with the metal substrate) the mass density of metal ion release into the artificial urine. Moreover, the PVA + HEP coating, regardless of the base polymer coatings used, contributes to a reduction in the incrustation process in the first 30 days of exposure to the artificial urine.

Transcriptome Profiling of the Retained Fetal Membranes-An Insight in the Possible Pathogenesis of the Disease.

Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is one of the most common post-partum diseases of a complex etiology. Moreover, its pathogenesis is still not elucidated. Detailed transcriptomic analysis of physiological and retained placenta may bring profound insight in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to compare the transcriptome of the retained and physiologically released placenta as well as biological pathways and processes in order to determine the possible pathogenesis of the disease. Samples of the endometrium and the allantochorion were taken within 2 h after parturition from control mares (n = 3) and mares with RFM (n = 3). RNA sequencing was performed with the use of all samples and mRNA expression of chosen genes was validated with Real Time PCR. Analysis of RNA-seq identified 487 differentially expressed genes in the allantochorion and 261 in the endometrium of control and RFM mares (p < 0.0001). Within genes that may be important in the release of fetal membranes and were differentially expressed, our report pinpointed BGN, TIMP1, DRB, CD3E, C3, FCN3, CASP3, BCL2L1. Gene ontology analysis showed possible processes which were altered in RFM that are apoptosis, inflammatory-related processes, and extracellular matrix metabolism and might be involved in the pathogenesis of RFM. This is the first report on the transcriptome of RFM and physiologically released placenta in mares.

Electrospun paclitaxel delivery system based on PGCL/PLGA in local therapy combined with brachytherapy.

The local administration of different drugs in anticancer therapy continue to attract attention. Thus, the idea of local delivery of cytostatics from nonwoven-structured polyesters seems to be highly desirable. It could reduce systemic drug levels and provide high local concentration of the chemotherapeutics at the tumor site and contribute to enhance the efficiency of the anticancer therapy. Poly(glycolide-ɛ-caprolactone) (PGCL) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) synthesized with zirconium-based initiator have been used to prepare electrospun, drug-eluting patches since they possess very good fiber-forming ability. Well-known chemotherapeutic drug-paclitaxel has been loaded into fibrous structure as a model anticancer agent in order to obtain drug delivery systems for local administration. The drug dose in obtained nonwovens might be regulated by the thickness and total area of the implanted patches. Electrospinning of PGCL/PLGA blend allowed to obtain soft and flexible implantable materials. Flexibility has been important factor since it ensures convenient use when covering a tumor or filling a resection cavity. The effectiveness of designed nonwovens presented in the study has been tested in vivo on mouse model of breast cancer. The growth of the tumors was slowed down during in vivo study in comparison with drug-free nonwovens- The volume of the tumor was 40% lower. Drug-loaded electrospun systems implanted locally to the tumor site was further combined with brachytherapy which improved the effectiveness of the therapy in about 18%. Detailed analysis of the nonwovens before and during degradation process has been performed by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Gel Permeation Chromatography, X-ray Diffraction. The molar mass changes of the nonwoven were quite rapid contrary to changes of comonomer unit content, thermal properties and morphology of the fiber.

Lung ultrasound in children, WFUMB review paper (part 2).

Ultrasound (US) is an ideal diagnostic tool for paediatric patients owning to its high spatial and temporal resolution, real-time imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation and bedside availability. In the current World Federation of Societies for Ultra-sound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) paper series so far (part I) the topic has been introduced and the technical require-ments explained. In the present paper the use of US in the lung in paediatric patients is analysed. Lung diseases including the interstitial syndrome, bacterial pneumonia and viral infections, CoViD findings, atelectasis, lung consolidation, bronchiolitis and congenital diseases of the respiratory system including congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) and sequester but also pneumothorax are discussed.

The Specific Judo Training Program Combined With the Whole Body Cryostimulation Induced an Increase of Serum Concentrations of Growth Factors and Changes in Amino Acid Profile in Professional Judokas.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a specific training program, supported by 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation, on growth factors concentrations, amino acids profile and motor abilities in professional judokas. Ultimately, twelve athletes took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to the cryostimulation group (CRY, n = 6) or the control group (CON, n = 6). During 2 weeks of the judo training program, the CRY group performed 10 cryo-sessions (3-min, at a temperature of -110°C) and the CON group rested passively. Anthropometric measurements, a strength test, the Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET) were assessed 2 days before and after the judo training program. Blood samples were collected at rest, 1 h after the first and the second SJET and 1 h after the first and the last cryo-session to establish growth factors and amino acid concentrations. Lactate level was measured before, immediately after and 1 h after the first and the second SJET. The applied intervention resulted in a significant increase of resting concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (from 10.23 ± 1.61 to 15.13 ± 2.93 ng⋅ml-1; p = 0.01) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1; from 174.29 ± 49.34 to 300.50 ± 43.80 pg⋅ml-1; p = 0.00) in the CRY group. A different response was registered 1 h directly post SJET in the CRY group (a significant increase of IGF-1, interleukin 15 and irisin: p = 0.01; p = 0.00; p = 0.03). Additionally, the significant drop of proline and leucine concentrations in the CRY group was obtained. Athletes' performance remained unchanged in both groups. However, subjects perceived positive changes induced by the intervention - not directly after cryostimulation but in response to the specific training workload. The increase of growth factors concentrations and the improvement of amino acid profile (proline and leucine) contributed to maintaining a high level of muscle function.