Autophagy of naïve CD4+ T cells in aging - the role of body adiposity and physical fitness.

Life expectancy has increased exponentially in the last century accompanied by disability, poor quality of life, and all-cause mortality in older age due to the high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in older people. Biologically, the aging process reduces the cell's metabolic and functional efficiency, and disrupts the cell's anabolic and catabolic homeostasis, predisposing older people to many dysfunctional conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and diabetes. In the immune system, aging also alters cells' metabolic and functional efficiency, a process known as 'immunosenescence', where cells become more broadly inflammatory and their functionality is altered. Notably, autophagy, the conserved and important cellular process that maintains the cell's efficiency and functional homeostasis may protect the immune system from age-associated dysfunctional changes by regulating cell death in activated CD4+ T cells. This regulatory process increases the delivery of the dysfunctional cytoplasmic material to lysosomal degradation while increasing cytokine production, proliferation, and differentiation of CD4+ T cell-mediated immune responses. Poor proliferation and diminished responsiveness to cytokines appear to be ubiquitous features of aged T cells and may explain the delayed peak in T cell expansion and cytotoxic activity commonly observed in the 'immunosenescence' phenotype in the elderly. On the other hand, physical exercise stimulates the expression of crucial nutrient sensors and inhibits the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade which increases autophagic activity in cells. Therefore, in this perspective review, we will first contextualize the overall view of the autophagy process and then, we will discuss how body adiposity and physical fitness may counteract autophagy in naïve CD4+ T cells in aging.

The growing field of immunometabolism and exercise: Key findings in the last 5 years.

This perspective review highlights the impact of physical exercise on immunometabolic responses in the past 5 years. Understanding immunometabolism as a part of immunological research is essential. Furthermore, the roles of both acute and chronic effects of physical exercise on health, aging, and chronic diseases in immunometabolic changes should be elaborated. In immune cells, ß2 adrenergic signaling stimulates the preferential mobilization of inflammatory phenotypes, such as CD16+ monocytes and CD8+ T cells, into the bloodstream after a physical exercise session. The mobilization of immune cells is closely related to the availability of energetic substrates for the cell and mechanisms associated with the uptake and oxidation of fatty acids and glucose. These cells, especially senescent T cells, are mobilized to the peripheral tissues and undergo apoptotic signaling, stimulating the creation of a "vacant space" where new cells will be matured and replaced in the circulation. This results in the upregulation of the expression and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1ra), leading to increased regulatory immune cells that provide immunoregulatory properties. Thus, we suggest that a significant nutrient available to the cell will favor oxidative metabolism, augment ATP production, and consequently maintain the immune cells in their quiescent state, as well as promote rapid activation function. Therefore, based on the studies discussed in this perspective review, we highlight the importance of performing moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity intermittent aerobic exercises, due to a higher magnitude of energetic demand and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10).

Type and Intensity as Key Variable of Exercise in Metainflammation Diseases: A Review.

Monocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations exhibit functions that vary between the anti- and pro-inflammatory spectrum, such as classic CD16- and non-classical CD16+monocytes, as well as T helper 2 lymphocytes (Th2), the Th1/Th17 lymphocytes ratio, and T regulatory lymphocytes (Treg). Metabolic disease-associated inflammation is accompanied by an imbalance in monocyte and lymphocyte phenotypes and functionality, as well as a stronger proportion of inflammatory subpopulations. These changes appear to be important for the development and progression of diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the regular practice of physical exercise is an important tool to restore the functionality of monocytes and lymphocytes, and to balance the subtypes ratio. However, key variables regarding exercise prescription, such as the type of exercise, intensity, and volume differentially impact on the acute and chronic immune response in individuals diagnosed with meta-inflammation diseases. Here, we discuss the impact of different physical exercise protocols, acutely and chronically, on monocytes and lymphocytes of individuals with metabolic disease-associated inflammation. In this review, we focus on the best effects of different exercise protocols to dose the "exercise pill" in different inflammatory status.

Capsaicin Supplementation during High-intensity Continuous Exercise: A Double-blind Study.

To investigate the effect of acute capsaicin (CAP) supplementation on time to exhaustion, physiological responses and energy systems contribution during continuous high-intensity exercise session in runners. Fifteen recreationally-trained runners completed two randomized, double-blind continuous high-intensity exercises at the speed eliciting 90% V̇O2peak (90% s V̇O2peak), 45 minutes after consuming capsaicin or an isocaloric placebo. Time to exhaustion, blood lactate concentration, oxygen consumption during and 20-min post-exercise, energy systems contribution, time to reach V̇O2peak, heart rate and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated. There was no significant difference between conditions for time to reach V̇O2peak (CAP:391.71±221.8 vs. PLA:298.20±174.5 sec, ES:0.58, p=0.872), peak lactate (CAP:7.98±2.11 vs. PLA:8.58±2.15 µmol, ES:-0.28, p=0.257), time to exhaustion (CAP:654.28±195.44 vs. PLA:709.20±208.44 sec, ES:-0.28, p=0.462, end-of-exercise heart rate (CAP:177.6±14.9 vs. PLA:177.5±17.9 bpm, ES:-0.10, p=0.979) and end-of-exercise RPE (CAP: 19±0.8 vs. PLA: 18±2.4, ES: 0.89, p=0.623). In conclusion, acute CAP supplementation did not increase time to exhaustion during high-intensity continuous exercise nor alter physiological responses in runners.

Age at menarche and cancer risk at adulthood.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the association between age at menarche and cancer using a nationally representative sample of Brazilian women. METHODS: Data from the Brazilian Health Survey (PNS), a nationally representative survey conducted in 2013 (n = 33,715 women; ≥18 years), were used. Information on cancer diagnosis, age at menarche and other co-variables (chronological age, educational status, skin colour, menopause, leisure-time physical activity and tobacco smoking) were collected via interview. Logistic regression models were used for aetiological analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of cancer diagnosis was greater among women with early age at menarche [2.6% (2.0-3.5%)] compared to on-time [1.6% (1.4-1.9%)] and late women [2.0% (1.1-3.4%)]. The onset of menarche ≤11 years was significantly associated with cancer risk, regardless of co-variables [OR =2.45 (1.34-4.48)], compared to the late group. CONCLUSION: Early age at menarche was associated with cancer risk in adulthood, regardless of race, educational status, chronological age, obesity, menopause onset, tobacco smoking or physical activity.

Effect of Resistance Training Systems on Oxidative Stress in Older Women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two different resistance training (RT) systems on oxidative stress biomarkers in older women. Fifty-nine older women (67.9 ± 5.0 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Two training groups performed an 8 week RT program either in traditional (TD, n = 20) or a pyramid (PR, n = 20) system 3 times per week, or a control group (CG, n = 19). The TD program consisted of 3 sets of 8-12 RM with constant load for the 3 sets, whereas the PR training consisted of 3 sets of 12/10/8 RM with incremental loads for each set. As compared with the CG, both TD and PR achieved upregulation of the antioxidant system as evidenced by higher (p < .05) values of total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter plasma concentration after intervention (TD= 930.4 ± 160.0 µmolTrolox, PR= 977.8 ± 145.2 µmolTrolox, CG= 794.4 ± 130.2 µmolTrolox). For the protein oxidation adducts, TD and PR presented lower (p < .05) scores compared with CG (TD= 91.2 ± 25.0 µmol/L, PR= 93.0 ± 30.3 µmol/L, CG= 111.0 ± 20.4 µmol/L). However, there were no differences (p < .05) between trained groups in the antioxidant capacity markers and in the protein oxidation adducts markers. The results suggest that 8 weeks of progressive RT promotes an improvement in markers of oxidative stress in older women independent of the load-management RT system.

Creatine supplementation prevents hyperhomocysteinemia, oxidative stress and cancer-induced cachexia progression in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) the impact of tumor growth on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, liver oxidative stress and cancer cachexia and, (2) the potential benefits of creatine supplementation in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats. Three experiments were conducted. First, rats were killed on days 5 (D5), 10 (D10) and 14 (D14) after tumor implantation. In experiment 2, rats were randomly assigned to three groups designated as control (C), tumor-bearing (T) and tumor-bearing supplemented with creatine (TCr). A life span experiment was conducted as the third experiment. Creatine was supplied in drinking water for 21 days (8 g/L) in all cases. Tumor implantation consisted of a suspension of Walker-256 cells (8.0 × 10(7) cells in 0.5 mL of PBS). The progressive increase (P < 0.05) in tumor mass coincided with a progressively lower body weight and higher hepatic oxidative stress; plasma Hcy concentration was 80 % higher (P < 0.05) by 10 days of tumor implantation. Impaired Hcy metabolism was evidenced by decreased hepatic betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (Bhmt), glycine N-methyltransferase (Gnmt) and cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) gene expression. In contrast, creatine supplementation promoted a 28 % reduction of tumor weight (P < 0.05). Plasma Hcy (C 6.1 ± 0.6, T 10.3 ± 1.5, TCr 6.3 ± 0.9, µmol/L) and hepatic oxidative stress were lower in the TCr group compared to T. Creatine supplementation was unable to decrease Hcy concentration and to increase SAM/SAH ratio in tumor tissue. These data suggest that creatine effects on hepatic impaired Hcy metabolism promoted by tumor cell inoculation are responsible to decrease plasma Hcy in tumor-bearing rats. In conclusion, Walker-256 tumor growth is associated with progressive hyperhomocysteinemia, body weight loss and liver oxidative stress in rats. Creatine supplementation, however, prevented these tumor-associated perturbations.

Impact of Breaking up of Sitting Time on Anti-inflammatory Response Induced by Extracellular Vesicles.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors (SB) have promoted a dramatic increase in the incidence of a host of chronic disorders over the last century. The breaking up of sitting time (i.e., sitting to standing up transition) has been proposed as a promising solution in several epidemiological and clinical studies. In parallel to the large interest it initially created, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that breaking up prolonged sedentary time (i.e., > 7 h in sitting time) could reduce overall mortality risks by normalizing the inflammatory profile and cardiometabolic functions. Recent advances suggest that the latter health benefits, may be mediated through the immunomodulatory properties of extracellular vesicles. Primarily composed of miRNA, lipids, mRNA and proteins, these vesicles would influence metabolism and immune system functions by promoting M1 to M2 macrophage polarization (i.e., from a pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotype) and improving endothelial function. The outcomes of interrupting prolonged sitting time may be attributed to molecular mechanisms induced by circulating angiogenic cells. Functionally, circulating angiogenic cells contribute to repair and remodel the vasculature. This effect is proposed to be mediated through the secretion of paracrine factors. The present review article intends to clarify the beneficial contributions of breaking up sitting time on extracellular vesicles formation and macrophage polarization (M1 and M2 phenotypes). Hence, it will highlight key mechanistic information regarding how breaking up sitting time protocols improves endothelial health by promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in human organs and tissues.

Anthocyanins-rich interventions on oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis: meta-analysis and meta-regression.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of anthocyanins-interventions on oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42020209742). The primary outcome was anthocyanins-rich intervention on OS parameters and secondary outcome was anthocyanins-rich intervention on inflammation and dyslipidemia. RevMan 5.4 software was used to analyze the effect size of anthocyanins-rich intervention on OS, inflammation and dyslipidemia. Meta-analysis effect size calculations incorporated random-effects model for both outcomes 1 and 2. Eight studies were included in the systematic review (trials enrolling 715 patients; 165 men and 195 women; age range between 30 and 79 years). Anthocyanin intervention in patients undergoing hemodialysis decrease the oxidant parameters (std. mean: -2.64, 95% CI: [-3.77, -1.50], P ≤ 0.0001, I2 = 97%). Specially by reduction of malondialdehyde products in favor of anthocyanins-rich intervention (std. mean: -14.58 µmol.L, 95% CI: [-26.20, -2.96], P ≤ 0.0001, I2 = 99%) and myeloperoxidase (std. mean: -1.28 ηg.mL, 95% CI: [-2.11, -0.45], P = 0.003, I2 = 77%) against placebo group. Decrease inflammatory parameters (std. mean: -0.57, 95% CI: [-0.98, -0.16], P = 0.007, I2 = 79%), increase HDL cholesterol levels (std. mean: 0.58 mg.dL, 95% CI: [0.23, 0.94], P = 0.001, I2 = 12%) against placebo group. Anthocyanins-rich intervention seems to reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters and improve lipid profile by increasing HDL cholesterol levels in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Central obesity is detrimental to anti-inflammatory, phenotype, and exhaustion markers in mononuclear cells - A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of central obesity on immunometabolic response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from normal weight and overweight/obese young men. METHODS: Eighteen individuals were classified as normal weight (NW; n = 9 - age: 25 ± 5 and BMI: 21.4 ± 1.7) and overweight/obese (OW; n = 9 - age: 29 ± 7 and BMI: 29.2 ± 2.7). The body composition was evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), waist circumference, and visceral and subcutaneous fat depots by ultrasound. Physical activity levels, metabolic parameters, immune phenotypic characterization, cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated whole blood cells and LPS or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated PBMC, and mitochondrial respiration in PBMCs were evaluated. Expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and adrenergic receptor beta 1 and 2 (AR-ß1 and ß2) genes were evaluated in cultured PBMC using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Individuals with overweight/obese (OW) presented higher glucose (P = 0.009) and leptin (P = 0.010) than individuals with normal weight (NW). PBMCs of OW under stimulation with LPS presented a lower production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) (P = 0.011) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1α) (P = 0.048) than NW. Mitochondrial respiration rates were not different between NW and OW subjects. Cultured PBMCs in LPS-stimulated condition indicated higher gene expression of AR-ß2 in OW, while PMA-stimulated PBMCs presented lower expression of AMPK (P = 0.002) and higher expression of NF-κB (P=<0.0001) than NW. OW presented higher numbers of CD3+CD4+ T cells (P = 0.009) and higher expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in CD8+ T cells (P = 0.001) than NW. CONCLUSION: Central obesity promoted reductions in interleukin 10 production response and increase in AR-ß2 expressions in mitogen-stimulated PBMCs. Furthermore, central obesity altered the phenotype of PBMCs, also increasing the expression of PD-1 exhaustion markers in young adults.

Costly immunometabolic remodelling in disused muscle buildup through physical exercise.

The mechanisms underlying the immunometabolic disturbances during skeletal muscle atrophy caused by a plethora of circumstances ranging from hospitalization to spaceflight missions remain unknown. Here, we outline the possible pathways that might be dysregulated in such conditions and assess the potential of physical exercise to mitigate and promote the recovery of muscle morphology, metabolism and function after intervals of disuse. Studies applying exercise to attenuate disuse-induced muscle atrophy have shown a pivotal role of circulating myokines in the activation of anabolic signalling pathways. These muscle-derived factors induce accretion of contractile proteins in the myofibers, and at the same time decrease protein breakdown and loss. Regular exercise plays a crucial role in re-establishing adequate immunometabolism and increasing the migration and presence in the muscle of macrophages with an anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2) and T regulatory cells (Tregs) after disease-induced muscle loss. Additionally, the switch in metabolic pathways (glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation [OXPHOS]) is important for achieving rapid metabolic homeostasis during muscle regeneration. In this review, we discuss the molecular aspects of the immunometabolic response elicited by exercise during skeletal muscle regeneration. There is not, nevertheless, consensus on a single optimal intensity of exercise required to improve muscle strength, mass and functional capacity owing to the wide range of exercise protocols studied so far. Despite the absence of agreement on the specific strategy, physical exercise appears as a powerful complementary strategy to attenuate the harmful effects of muscle disuse in different scenarios.

Feeding Pattern, Circadian Rhythm, and Immune Function: What do we know about?

Feeding pattern is related to health status or chronic diseases, and this depends on the individual's eating habits. Feeding organized with the right time to start and end during the day, promotes an internal biological rhythm, favoring molecular synchronization of the clock genes, which impose an effect on metabolism and immune cells, creating a physiological response related to a healthy profile. On the other hand, a feeding pattern disorganized, without the right time to start and end eating during the day, might lead to nonsynchronization of the clock genes, a disruption condition, which is related to chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes type 2. A strategy that should be adopted to favor molecular synchronization is time-restricted eating (TRE), which can organize the initial and end of the eating patterns during the day. Our review points out some cues that suggest TRE as an efficient strategy for healthy profile and can be a good intervention for the treatment of chronic diseases.

Creatine supplementation protects against diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver but exacerbates alcoholic fatty liver.

AIMS: This work investigated the effects of creatine supplementation on different pathways related to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease. MAIN METHODS: To induce alcoholic liver disease, male Swiss mice were divided into three groups: control, ethanol and ethanol supplemented with creatine. To induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, mice were divided into three groups: control, high-fat diet and high-fat diet supplemented with creatine. Each group consisted of eight animals. In both cases, creatine monohydrate was added to the diets (1 %; weight/vol). KEY FINDINGS: Creatine supplementation prevented high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression, demonstrated by attenuated liver fat accumulation and liver damage. On the other hand, when combined with ethanol, creatine supplementation up-regulated key genes related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid synthesis, and exacerbated ethanol-induced liver steatosis and damage, demonstrated by increased liver fat accumulation and histopathological score, as well as elevated oxidative damage markers and inflammatory mediators. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results clearly demonstrated creatine supplementation exerts different outcomes in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, namely it protects against high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease but exacerbates ethanol-induced alcoholic liver disease. The exacerbating effects of the creatine and ethanol combination appear to be related to oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated up-regulation of ethanol metabolism.

Immunometabolic responses according to physical fitness status and lifelong exercise during aging: New roads for exercise immunology.

Molecules such as cytokines, energetic substrates, and hormones found in the immune cell environment, especially lymphocytes and monocytes, are crucial for directing energy metabolism. In turn, changes in energy metabolism occur in a synchronized manner with the activation of certain signaling pathways, thereby this crosstalk is responsible for determining the functionality of immune cells. The immunometabolism field has grown over time and that is becoming increasingly promising in several populations; here we discuss the mechanisms involved in sedentary and physically active middle-aged individuals and master athletes. In this context, this review shows that the physical activity status and lifelong exercise seems to be good strategies for the promotion of metabolic and functional adaptations in T lymphocytes and monocytes, counteracting inflammatory environments caused by expanded adipose tissue and sedentary behavior, as well as delaying the immunosenescence caused by aging.

Resistance exercise intervention on muscular strength and power, and functional capacity in acute hospitalized older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2498 patients in 7 randomized clinical trials.

To date, no meta-analytical study evaluating the benefits of resistance exercise intervention on muscular strength and power and functional capacity in acute hospitalized older adults was conducted. Then, to synthesize the emerging evidence on the effects of resistance exercise intervention on muscular strength and power and functional capacity in acute hospitalized older adults, two independent authors performed a systematic search (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO) until January 2021. Randomized clinical trials were included regarding the effects of resistance exercise and hospital usual care. The Cochrane Collaboration assessment tool was used to analyze the risk of bias. The comparisons included muscular strength (isometric handgrip strength and one-repetition maximum test of leg press), muscular power (output during leg press exercise), and functional capacity (timed-up-and-go, and short physical performance battery). Resistance exercise intervention increased muscular strength (isometric handgrip strength: mean difference = 2.50 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33, 3.67; and one-repetition maximum test of leg press: mean difference = 19.28 kg, 95% confidence interval = 14.70, 23.86) and muscular power (mean difference = 29.52 W, 95% confidence interval = 28.84, 30.21), and functional capacity (timed-up-and-go: mean difference = 3.40 s, 95% confidence interval = 0.47, 6.36; and short physical performance battery: mean difference = 1.29 points, 95% confidence interval = 0.10, 2.48) at discharge compared with hospital usual care. This meta-analysis endorses the increase of muscular strength and power gains and improving the functional capacity in favor of resistance exercise intervention in acute hospitalized older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION : https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020203658.

Resistance Training's Ability to Prevent Cancer-induced Muscle Atrophy Extends Anabolic Stimulus.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) activation and catabolic markers in resistance training's (RT) antiatrophy effect during cachexia-induced muscle loss. METHODS: Myofiber atrophy was induced by injecting Walker 256 tumor cells into rats exposed or not exposed to the RT protocol of ladder climbing. The role of RT-induced anabolic stimulation was investigated in tumor-bearing rats with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin, and cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle were evaluated to identify atrophy or hypertrophy. Components of the mTORC1 and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblotting. RESULTS: Although RT prevented myofiber atrophy and impaired the strength of tumor-bearing rats, in healthy rats, it promoted activated mTORC1, as demonstrated by p70S6K's increased phosphorylation and myofiber's enlarged cross-sectional area. However, RT promoted no changes in the ratio of p70S6K to phospho-p70S6K protein expression while prevented myofiber atrophy in tumor-bearing rats. Beyond that, treatment with rapamycin did not preclude RT's preventive effect on myofiber atrophy in tumor-bearing rats. Thus, RT's ability to prevent cancer-induced myofiber atrophy seems to be independent of mTORC1's and p70S6K's activation. Indeed, RT's preventive effect on cancer-induced myofiber atrophy was associated with its capacity to attenuate elevated tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 as well as to prevent oxidative damage in muscles and an elevated abundance of atrogin-1. CONCLUSIONS: By inducing attenuated myofiber atrophy independent of mTORC1's signaling activation, RT prevents muscle atrophy during cancer by reducing inflammation, oxidative damage, and atrogin-1 expression.

Low Agreement Between Initial and Revised European Consensus on Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia Applied to People Living With HIV.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) proposed low muscle strength as the primary outcome for sarcopenia diagnosis instead of low muscle mass, as proposed in 2010 (EWGSOP1). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using both EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 operational definitions in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and to determine the agreement and correlation between different tests proposed by EWGSOP2. SETTING: Cross-sectional study, where 302 PLHIV (151 men), 51.7 ± 9.0 years old were evaluated for the presence of sarcopenia using both EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 operational definitions. METHODS: Appendicular skeletal muscle was estimated using bioimpedance analysis. Handgrip strength, chair stand, gait speed, and static balance were used as muscle function measures. Agreement was determined using Cohen kappa and Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS: Sarcopenia prevalence was 4.3% using EWGSOP1 and 1.0% using EWGSOP2. Agreement for sarcopenia diagnosis between EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 was fair (k = 0.37, P < 0.01). From the 13 cases of sarcopenia diagnosed using EWGSOP1, only 3 cases (23.1%) were also diagnosed using EWGSOP2. A medium correlation (r = -0.32, P < 0.01) and poor agreement (k = 0.14, P < 0.01) between muscle strength tests (handgrip strength and chair stand) were observed. Concordance between handgrip and chair stand was observed in 11 participants only, whereas 65 participants were considered to have low muscle strength using chair stand but not using handgrip. CONCLUSIONS: Lower sarcopenia prevalence using EWGSOP2 and low agreement between EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 operational definitions in diagnosing sarcopenia were observed in PLHIV.

Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplementation changes energy system contribution and improves performance during high-intensity intermittent exercise in physically active individuals: a double-blind and placebo controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional ergogenic aids are commonly used to boost physiological adaptations to exercise and promote greater fitness gains. However, there is a paucity of data about multi-ingredient pre-workout supplementation (MIPS). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of MIPS on the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-CP energy systems contribution, time spent above 90% V̇O2max (T90% V̇O2max), excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) magnitude, number of efforts and time to exhaustion during a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) session. METHODS: Twelve physically-active and healthy men completed the HIIE sessions that involved running bouts of 15 s on the treadmill at 120% of the maximum aerobic speed (MAS), interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery. Blood lactate was collected at immediately post, 3, 5, and 7 min post exercise. The contribution of ATP-CP, glycolytic and oxidative systems was analyzed at rest, during the HIIE sessions and for 20 min post. Performance variables (time to exhaustion, number of efforts) and oxygen consumption were also analyzed. RESULTS: MIPS significantly increased the number of efforts performed (MIPS: 41 ± 10 vs Placebo: 36 ± 12, p = 0.0220) and time to exhaustion (MIPS: 20.1 ± 6 min vs Placebo: 17 ± 5 min, p = 0.0226). There was no difference between supplements for both T90% V̇O2max (p = 0.9705) and EPOC (p = 0.4930). Consuming MIPS significantly increased the absolute oxidative energy system contribution by 23.8% (p = 0.0163) and the absolute ATP-CP contribution by 28.4% (p = 0.0055) compared to placebo. There was only a non-significant tendency for a higher glycolytic system contribution after MIPS ingestion (p = 0.0683). CONCLUSION: Acute MIPS ingestion appears effective at increasing both aerobic and anaerobic alactic energy contribution and time to exhaustion during a HIIE protocol.

Capsaicin Analogue Supplementation Does Not Improve 10 km Running Time-Trial Performance in Male Amateur Athletes: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the acute effects of a capsaicin analogue supplement on 10 km time-trial performance and physiological responses in amateur athletes. METHODS: Twenty-one participants (age = 29.3 ± 5.5 years, weight 74.2 ± 11.3 kg, height 176.0 ± 0.0 cm, fat mass 12.7 ± 3.8%, V˙O2max 62.7 ± 8.4 mL·k-1·min-1), completed two randomized, double-blind trials: capsaicin analogue condition (Capsiate (CAP) = 24 mg) or a placebo (PLA) condition. The participants consumed two doses of 12 mg of CAP or PLA capsule 45 min before and immediately at the start of each trial. The time required to complete 10 km, lactate concentration, maximum heart rate (HRpeak), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. RESULTS: The 10 km time-trial performance (CAP = 45.07 ± 6.41 min vs. PLA = 45.13 ± 6.73, p = 0.828) was not statistically significantly different between conditions. No statistically significant differences between conditions were detected for lactate concentration (p = 0.507), HRpeak (p = 0.897) and RPE (p = 0.517). CONCLUSION: Two doses of a 12 mg Capsaicin analogue supplement did not improve performance and physiological responses in a 10 km running time-trial in amateur athletes.

Creatine supplementation does not promote tumor growth or enhance tumor aggressiveness in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on tumor microenvironment, evaluating the parameters of tumor aggressiveness. METHODS: Sixteen male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 8/group): Tumor-bearing (T) and tumor-bearing supplemented with Cr (TCr). Cr supplementation was provided in drinking water for a total of 21 d. After 11 d of Cr supplementation (TCr group) or water (T group), Walker-256 tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the right flank of all rats, which kept receiving Cr supplementation (TCr group) or water (T group) for 10 more days. The total period of the experiment was 21 d. RESULTS: Tumor weight corresponded with approximately 3.5% ± 0.9% of animal body weight in the T group. Cr supplementation did not accelerate tumor growth or increase tumor size. The histopathological analysis demonstrated the presence of nuclear pleomorphisms and atypical nuclei, with the presence of low-differentiated tumor cells, in both groups. Cr supplementation did not alter apoptosis and cell proliferation markers, nor tumor capsule thickness and viable tumor area. CONCLUSIONS: Cr supplementation in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats did not induce significant changes in tumor development, and did not interfere with the parameters of tumor aggressiveness, such as the level of cell differentiation and proliferation.