Watermelon extract reduces blood pressure but does not change sympathovagal balance in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects.

Previous studies have shown that watermelon extract reduces blood pressure through vasodilation. However, those studies have not verified whether sympathetic nervous activity is influenced by watermelon extract. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with watermelon extract for 6 weeks on blood pressure and sympathovagal balance of prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Forty volunteers participated in a randomized, double-blind, experimental and placebo-controlled study. They consumed 6 g of watermelon extract daily (n = 20; age 48.7 ± 1.9 years, 10 men) or a placebo (n = 20; age 47.4 ± 1.2 years, 11 men) for 6 weeks. Blood pressure and cardiac autonomic modulation were measured. Watermelon extract promoted a significant reduction in systolic (137.8 ± 3.9 to 126.0 ± 4.0 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and diastolic (79.2 ± 2.2 to 72.3 ± 2.0 mmHg, p < 0.001) blood pressure, but showed no differences compared to the placebo group. This significant reduction in blood pressure occurred without a significant change in sympathovagal balance from the beginning (1.7 ± 0.1) to the end of the study (1.7 ± 0.4). In conclusion, supplementation with watermelon extract reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals, but does not alter the cardiac autonomic modulation of these individuals.

Chia flour supplementation reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chia supplementation (Salvia hispanica L.) on blood pressure (BP) and its associated cardiometabolic factors in treated and untreated hypertensive individuals. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: the hypertensive-drug treated (CHIA-MD, n = 10), hypertensive untreated (CHIA-NM, n = 9) and placebo (PLA-MD, n = 7) groups. The subjects consumed 35 g/day of either chia flour or a placebo for 12 weeks. The clinical and ambulatory BP, inflammation, oxidative stress and markers for nitric oxide were measured. While the PLA-MD group showed no changes in BP, there was a reduction in the mean clinical blood pressure (MBP) in the CHIA (111.5 ± 1.9 to 102.7 ± 1.5 mmHg, p < 0.001) and CHIA-MD (111.3 ± 2.2 to 100.1 ± 1.8 mmHg, p < 0.001) groups. The CHIA-NM group showed no reduction in the MBP but did show a decreased systolic BP (146.8 ± 3.8 to 137.3 ± 3.1 mmHg, p < 0.05). The clinical BP reduction was demonstrated by a 24 h ambulatory systolic reduction in all of the supplemented groups. However, the mean ambulatory BP was reduced only in the CHIA (98.1 ± 2.4 to 92.8 ± 2.2 mmHg, p < 0.05) group, and there was no change in the diastolic component in either of the CHIA groups. The lipid peroxidation was reduced in the CHIA (p = 0.04) and CHIA-NM (p = 0.02) groups compared with the PLA-MD group. A reduction in the plasma nitrite levels was observed only in the CHIA group (p = 0.02). Chia flour has the ability to reduce ambulatory and clinical BP in both treated and untreated hypertensive individuals.

Hymenaea rubriflora Ducke stem bark extract has vasorelaxant and contractile inhibition capacity

Abstract We investigated the vasodilatory effects of Hymenaea rubriflora Ducke stem bark extract (HRHAc). Vascular reactivity of the aortic rings of Wistar rats was tested by in vitro cumulative doses (0.1 - 729 µg/mL). Rats (n=5) were treated with 25 (G25), 50 (G50) and 100 (G100) mg/ kg of HR-HAc or saline (control group - CG) for four weeks. An in vitro assay resulted in dose-dependent relaxation of the aortic rings with functional endothelium, which was inhibited in the presence of L-NAME. Rings of the treated animals increased acetylcholine relaxing potency at all doses, with a greater effect on G50 (pD2 = 7.8±0.1, Emax = 95.6±1.1) and a decreased contractile potency to phenylephrine in G25 (pD2 = 6.9±0.06, Emax = 61.5±6.0%) and G50 (pD2= 6.6±0.06, Emax = 71.0±8.5%) when compared to the CG in the presence and absence of endothelium (pD2= 6.4± 0.1, 6.4±0.1 and 6.9±0.1, respectively). Cumulative doses of nitroprusside resulted in increased relaxing potency in all treated groups and maintained Emax at 100%. It is concluded that HR-HAc has vasorelaxant capacity and inhibitory vascular contraction activity applied either directly to aortic rings or after treatment with in vivo supplementation, which places this extract as a potential nutraceutical or pharmacological agent for treating diseases associated with vascular dysfunction.

Effect of L-arginine intake on exercise-induced hypotension.

OBJECTIVE: to verify if one single dose of L-arginine improves post-exercise hypotension (PEH) in hypertensive. METHODS: double-blind, placebo, randomized with 20 hypertensive (51.47 ± 1.24 years). Two sessions of aerobic exercise were performed proceeded for the ingestion of one dose of 7 g of L-arginine (EX-LARG) or placebo (EX-PLA), plus one session only with L-arginine ingestion (L-ARG). Blood pressure (BP) was measured at rest, and each ten minutes for a period of 60 minutes recovery after exercise. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise for analysis of plasma concentration of nitrite and malondialdehyde (MDA). One-way ANOVA tests were used to compare the baseline conditions and two-way ANOVA, to evaluate possible differences in pressure responses between procedures. RESULTS: both sessions EX-LARG and EX-PLA showed similar peak reduction for the mean systolic blood pressure (-6.58 ± 0.95 mmHg and -8.38 ± 1.29 mmHg respectively, p = 0.28). On the other hand, for the diastolic component, only L-ARG was able to promote PEH (-1.85 ± 0.44 mmHg), significantly better than EX-PLA (+2.13 ± 0.62 mmHg; p < 0.01). L-ARG alone did not result in significant changes in BP. Nitrite and MDA behaved similarly between procedures. CONCLUSION: a single dose of L-arginine before exercise improves diastolic PEH.

Relationship between cardiometabolic profile, vitamin D status and BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene in non-institutionalized elderly subjects: Cardiometabolic profile, vitamin D status and BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene in non-institutionalized elderly subjects.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the cardiometabolic profile, vitamin D status and BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene in non-institutionalized elderly subjects. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random and representative sample of 142 elderly subjects selected by cluster and recruited from a municipal assistance program. Clinical, nutritional, biochemical and inflammatory profiles, oxidative stress and genotyping for the BsmI polymorphism were evaluated. Participants had mean age of 69.9 (7.0) years, BMI of 28.3 (4.4) kg/m(2) and 80.3% were women. The prevalence of a 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status <75nmol/L was 40.8%. A vitamin D level<75nmol/L was found to be associated with gender and fish consumption. The INSUF/DEF group [25(OH)D<75nmol/L] showed higher fasting blood glucose MDA values when compared to the SUF group [25(OH)D≥75nmol/L]; this relationship was maintained only for women in the analysis by sex. The BsmI polymorphism showed allelic frequencies in the SUF group of B 49% and b 51% and in the INSUF/DEF group B 38% and b 62%. The frequency of bb homozygosity was significantly associated with lower serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations compared to Bb, both in the general population and in the SUF group. Among individuals with bb, the INSUF/DEF group showed higher levels of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol. Blood glucose levels and oxidative stress were increased in elderly subjects with 25(OH)D<75nmol/L. The presence of the bb genotype with adequate vitamin D status resulted in lower total and LDL cholesterol, but the benefit was lost when vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was present.

Potential ergogenic activity of grape juice in runners.

Recent studies have indicated that certain food products have ergogenic potential similar to that of sports supplements. The present study aimed to investigate the potential ergogenic effect of integral purple grape juice on the performance of recreational runners. Twenty-eight volunteers of both sexes (age, 39.8 ± 8.5 years; peak oxygen consumption, 43.2 ± 8.5 mL/(kg·min)) were randomized into either a group that received grape juice (grape juice group (GJG), n = 15; 10 mL/(kg·min) for 28 days) or a group that received an isocaloric, isoglycemic, and isovolumetric control beverage (control group (CG), n = 13). A time-to-exhaustion exercise test, anaerobic threshold test, and aerobic capacity test were performed, together with assessments of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, and muscle injury, performed at baseline and 48 h after the supplementation protocol. The GJG showed a significant increase (15.3%) in running time-to-exhaustion (p = 0.002) without significant improvements in either anaerobic threshold (3.6%; p = 0.511) or aerobic capacity (2.2%; p = 0.605). In addition, GJG exhibited significant increases in total antioxidant capacity (38.7%; p = 0.009), vitamin A (11.8%; p = 0.016), and uric acid (28.2%; p = 0.005), whereas α-1-acid glycoprotein significantly decreased (20.2%; p = 0.006) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged. In contrast, no significant changes occurred in any of these variables in the CG. In conclusion, supplementation with purple grape juice shows an ergogenic effect in recreational runners by promoting increased time-to-exhaustion, accompanied by increased antioxidant activity and a possible reduction in inflammatory markers.

Effect of l-arginine intake on exercise-induced hypotension / Efecto de la ingestión de L-arginina en la hipotensión inducida por el ejercicio

Objective: to verify if one single dose of L-arginine improves post-exercise hypotension (PEH) in hypertensive. Methods: double-blind, placebo, randomized with 20 hypertensive (51.47 ± 1.24 years). Two sessions of aerobic exercise were performed proceeded for the ingestion of one dose of 7 g of L-arginine (EX-LARG) or placebo (EX-PLA), plus one session only with L-arginine ingestion (L-ARG). Blood pressure (BP) was measured at rest, and each ten minutes for a period of 60 minutes recovery after exercise. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise for analysis of plasma concentration of nitrite and malondial de hyde (MDA). One-way ANOVA tests were used to compare the baseline conditions and two-way ANOVA, to evaluate possible differences in pressure responses between procedures. Results: both sessions EX-LARG and EX-PLA showed similar peak reduction for the mean systolic blood pressure (-6.58 ± 0.95 mmHg and -8.38 ± 1.29 mmHg respectively, p = 0.28). On the other hand, for the diastolic component, only L-ARG was able to promote PEH (-1.85 ± 0.44 mmHg), significantly better than EX-PLA (+2.13 ± 0.62 mmHg; p < 0.01). L-ARG alone did not result in significant changes in BP. Nitrite and MDA behaved similarly between procedures. Conclusion: a single dose of L-arginine before exercise improves diastolic PEH

Objetivo: verificar si una sola dosis de L-arginina mejora la hipotensión post-ejercicio (HPE) en hipertensos. Métodos: estudio doble ciego, placebo, aleatorizado con 20 hipertensos (51,47 ± 1,24 anos). Se realizaron dos sesiones de ejercicio aeróbico para la ingestión de una dosis de 7 g de L-arginina (EX-LARG) o placebo (EX-PLA), mas una sesión solo con ingestión de L-arginina (L-ARG). La presión arterial (PA) se midió en reposo y cada diez minutos durante un periodo de recuperación de 60 minutos después del ejercicio. Se tomaron muestras de sangre antes y después del ejercicio para el análisis de la concentración plasmática de nitrito y malondialdehido (MDA). Se usaron pruebas de ANOVA de una via para comparar las condiciones iniciales y ANOVA de dos vías para evaluar las posibles diferencias en las respuestas de presión entre procedimientos. Resultados: ambas sesiones, EX-LARG y EX-PLA, mostraron una reducción máxima similar de la presión arterial sistólica media (-6,58 ± 0,95 mmHg y -8,38 ± 1,29 mmHg, respectivamente, p = 0,28). Por otro lado, con respecto al componente diastólico, solo L-ARG fue capaz de promover HPE (-1,85 ± 0,44 mmHg), significativamente mejor que EX-PLA (+2,13 ± 0,62 mmHg, p < 0,01). L-ARG solo no dio como resultado un cambio significativo en la PA. El nitrito y la MDA se comportaron de manera similar entre los procedimientos. Conclusión: una dosis unica de L-arginina antes del ejercicio mejora la HPE diastolic

Chia induces clinically discrete weight loss and improves lipid profile only in altered previous values / Chía promueve reducción del peso corporal, pero clínicamente discreto, y la mejora del perfil lipídico sólo en los valores previos alterados

Introduction: chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has an elevated concentration of dietary fiber, it has been used to weight loss and enhance blood glucose and lipid profile. However, data in human are still scarce or do not exist, according to the analyzed variable. Aim: to evaluate the effect of chia supplementation in body composition, lipid profile and blood glucose in overweight or obese individuals. Methods: men and women were randomly allocated in groups that ingested 35g of chia flour/day (CHIA; n=19;48.8±1.8 years) or placebo (PLA; n=7; 51.4±3.1 years) for12 weeks. Body composition and food intake were evaluated in each four weeks. Lipid profile and blood glucose were measured in the beginning and in the end of the study. Results: Chia induced significant intragroup reduction in body weight (-1.1±0.4kg; p<0.05), with a greater reduction among obese than overweighed individuals (-1.6±0.4kg; p<0.00), but without difference when compared to PLA. Waist circumference reduced 1.9±0.6 cmin CHIA group (p <0.05), but only intragroup. It was observed a reduction in total cholesterol (p=0.04) and VLDL-c (p=0.03), and an increase in HDL-c (p=0.01) but only in the groups that ingested chia flour and presented abnormal initial values. Triglycerides, blood glucose and LDL-C showed no changes for either group. Conclusion: consumption of chia for 12 weeks promotes significant but discrete reduction in weight and waist circumference, and enhances lipid profile dependent of initial values (AU)

Introducción: Debido al alto contenido de fibra dietética, la chía (Salvia hispánica L.) han sido propuesta para la pérdida de peso y mejora del perfil lipídico y glucémico. Pero los datos en humanos son escasos o inexistentes, en función de la variable analizada. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con harina de chía en la composición corporal, perfil lipídico y glucémico de individuos con sobrepeso y obesidad. Métodos: hombres y mujeres fueron asignados aleatoriamente en grupos que consumieron 35 g / día de chía (CHIA; n = 19; 48.8 ± 1.8 años) o placebo (PLA; n = 7; 51.4 ± 3.1 años) durante 12 semanas. La composición corporal y el consumo de alimentos fueron evaluados la cada cuatro semanas de intervención. Perfil lipídico y los niveles de glucosa se midieron al principio y al final del estudio. Resultados: La chía promovió reducción significativa en el peso corporal (-1.1kg; p <0.05) con la mayor reducción entre los obesos (-1.9kg; p <0.00), mientras que el grupo PLA tenía ningún cambio. Circunferencia de la cintura disminuyó en 1,9 cm en el grupo CHIA (p <0.05), pero sólo intragrupo. Fue observada una disminución en el colesterol total (p = 0.04) y VLDL-c (P = 0.03) y el aumento de los niveles de HDL-c (p = 0.01), pero sólo en el grupo que consumió la chía y tenía valores anormales al inicio del estudio. Los niveles de triglicéridos, glucosa y LDL-c no mostraron cambios en ninguno de los grupos. Conclusión: El consumo de chía durante 12 semanas reduce el peso corporal y la circunferencia de la cintura de manera significativa, pero clínicamente discreto. Chía promueve la mejora del perfil lipídico, pero estos efectos son dependientes de los valores iniciales de los grupos (AU)

Treinamento de força reduz perfil glicêmico de ratos / Resistance training reduces blood glucose in rats

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a ten-week strength training on the blood glucose of rats. Methods: Eighteen rats were divided into two groups: sedentary and trained. Trained animals underwent strength training for ten weeks. The animals performed four sets of eight jumps with intervals of 30 seconds during ten weeks with a frequency of 3 times per week. An overload weight was imposed to the animals, using appropriate vests, which increased every two weeks. Body weight and food consumption were evaluated weekly. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and theirblood glucose and weights of visceral fat and carcass were measured. Results: No changes were observed in body weight (359.29±38.56 g vs. 355±15.58 g), food intake (162.1±16.6 g vs 156.57±5.4 g) and weight of carcass (222.5±22.7 g vs 230.7±9.3 g), however, reduction of visceral fat (17.4±3.3 g vs 12.9±1.7 g) and blood glucose (180.0±21.9 mg/dL vs. 151.7±19.6 mg/dL) was observed in the trained animals. Conclusion: The protocol used in this study reduced visceral fat and blood glucose in animals subjected to strength training.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um treinamento de força de dez semanas sobre o perfil glicídico de ratos. Métodos: 18 ratos foram randomizados em dois grupos: sedentários e treinados. Os animais treinados foram submetidos a treinamento de força durante dez semanas. Os animais realizavam quatro séries de oito saltos com intervalos de 30 segundos, durante dez semanas, com frequência de três vezes por semana. Foi imposta uma sobrecarga de peso aos animais, utilizando-se coletes apropriados, aumentada quinzenalmente. Foram avaliados peso corporal e consumo alimentar semanalmente. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram eutanasiados e verificou-se glicemia, peso de gordura visceral e de carcaça. Resultados: Não foram observadas alterações no peso corporal (359,29 ± 38,56 g vs. 355 ± 15,58 g), consumo alimentar (162,1 ± 16,6 g vs. 156,57 ± 5,4 g) e peso da carcaça (222,5 ± 22,7 g vs. 230,7 ± 9,3 g), entretanto, encontrou-se redução da gordura visceral (17,4 ± 3,3 g vs. 12,9 ± 1,7 g) e da glicemia (180,0 ± 21,9 mg/dL vs. 151,7±19,6 mg/dL) nos animais treinados. Conclusão: O protocolo aplicado neste estudo reduziu gordura visceral e glicemia nos animais submetidos ao treinamento de força.

SUPLEMENTAÇÃO COM MUCUNA PRURIENS ASSOCIADA AO TREINAMENTO DE FORÇA NÃO ALTERA CONSUMO ALIMENTAR, PESO CORPORAL E MEDIDAS MURINOMÉTRICAS EM RATOS TREINADOS / MUCUNA PRURIENS SUPPLEMENTATION ASSOCIATED WITH RESISTANCE TRAINING DOES NOT CHANGE FOOD INTAKE, BODY WEIGHT AND MURINOMETRIC VALUES IN TRAINED ANIMALS

RESUMOMucuna pruriens (MP) tem sido comercializada como suplemento para emagrecimento mesmo sem comprovação científica. Este estudo objetiva avaliar o efeito da MP associada ao treinamento resistido sobre parâmetros murinométricos e consumo alimentar em ratos. Os animais foram randomizados nos grupos: controle sedentário e treinado, MP sedentário e treinado. Os treinados executaram protocolo de saltos e os suplementados receberam 250 mg de MP/kg/dia via gavagem. O consumo alimentar e peso corporal foram avaliados semanalmente e medidas murinométricas ao final do protocolo. Não houve alterações no consumo alimentar (147 a 180 g), peso (341 a 368 g), comprimento (entre 24,6 e 25,5 cm), circunferências torácica (de 14,1 a 16,2 cm) e abdominal (variação de 14,5 a 15,8 cm), índice de massa corporal (entre 0,53 e 0,56 g/cm2) e índice de Lee (entre 4,5 e 4,8 cm3). Suplementação de MP associada ao exercício não altera consumo alimentar, peso e medidas murinométricas em ratos.

ABSTRACTMucuna pruriens(mp) has been marketed as a supplement for weight loss even without scientific proof. this study aims to evaluate the effect of mp supplementation associated with resistance training on murinometric parameters and food consumption in rats. animals were randomized into sedentary and control groups, supplemented with mp or not. trained animals performed the jump protocol and received the mp supplementation (250 mg/kg/day) by gavage. food consumption and body weight were assessed weekly and murinometric parameters, at the end of the protocol. there were no changes in food intake (147 - 180 g), weight (341 - 368 g), length (24.6 - 25.5 cm), chest (14.1 - 16.2 cm) and abdominal circumferences (14.5 - 15.8 cm), body mass index (0.53 - 0.56 g/cm2) and lee index (4.5 - 4.8 g/cm3). mp supplementation during exercise does not alter food intake, weight and murinometric measurements in rats.

Supplementation prevalence and adverse effects in physical exercise practitioners / Prevalencia de la suplementación y efectos adversos en personas que practican ejercicio físico

Introduction: The use of nutritional supplements is prevalent among physical exercise practitioners and some adverse effects have been reported, however not sufficiently substantial, because they originate from isolated cases. Objectives: Investigate nutritional supplements consumption prevalence and adverse effects of the use of such products. Methods: An epidemiological, representative and transversal study, with 180 physical exercise practitioners in gyms, who answered questionnaires about sports supplementation, associated factors and self-perceived adverse effects. In a subsample of 86 individuals, blood pressure was measured and blood was collected for the evaluation of lipid profile markers, hepatic and renal function. Results: The supplementation prevalence level was 58.3%, whereas the physicians and nutritionists indicated only 21.9%. The reported adverse effects were observed only by supplement users (acne, insomnia, aggressiveness, headaches and tachycardia). Systolic blood pressure was higher in the supplemented group when compared to the control group (p = 0.04), as in the subgroup of thermogenic users (p < 0.0001) and among those who had consumed any type of supplementation for over 2 years (p = 0.005). Serum creatinine levels were higher only in the subgroup of carbohydrates when compared to the control group (p = 0.03). Diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile and hepatic function did not present differences between groups. Conclusions: The use of nutritional supplements without specialized orientation was elevated among physical exercise practitioners, being associated to adverse effects both by the users themselves and by clinical diagnosis (AU)

Introducción: El uso de suplementos nutricionales por parte de personas que practican ejercicio físico es frecuente y se han notificado efectos adversos; sin embargo, no son suficientemente sustanciales puesto que proceden de casos aislados. Objetivos: Investigar la prevalencia de consumo de suplementos nutricionales y los efectos adversos del consumo de estos productos. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico transversal y representativo que incluye 180 personas que practican ejercicio físico en gimnasios y que contestaron encuestas acerca de la suplementación para el deporte, los factores asociados y los efectos adversos autopercibidos. En una submuestra de 86 individuos, se midió la presión sanguínea y se tomó sangre para una evaluación de los marcadores del perfil lipídico y de las funciones hepática y renal. Resultados: La tasa de prevalencia de suplementación fue del 58,3%, mientras que los médicos y nutricionistas sólo lo indicaron en el 21,9%. Los efectos adversos notificados (acné, insomnio, agresividad, cefaleas y taquicardia) sólo fueron observados por los consumidores de suplementos. La presión sanguínea sistólica fue superior en el grupo con suplementos en comparación del grupo control (p = 0,04), al igual que en los consumidores de productos termogénicos (p < 0,0001) y en las personas que habían consumido cualquier tipo de producto en los dos años previos (p = 0,005). Las concentraciones de creatinina sérica fueron superiores sólo en el subgrupo de personas que consumían hidratos de carbono en comparación con el grupo control (p = 0,03). La presión sanguínea diastólica, el perfil lipídico y la función hepática no mostraron diferencias entre los grupos. Conclusiones: El empleo de suplementos nutricionales sin una orientación especializada fue alto entre las personas que practican ejercicio físico, asociándose a efectos adversos manifestados por los propios usuarios como por diagnóstico clínico (AU)