Spectator medicine at an international mega sports event: Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is one of the biggest international mega sports events in the world. This study was conducted to identify and evaluate the volume, nature, and severity of spectator medical care in the stadiums of 12 venues across Japan during RWC 2019. METHOD: This was a retrospective review of medical records from spectator medical rooms of 45 official matches of RWC 2019 between September 20 and November 2, 2019. All patients in the stadium who visited the spectator medical room and were transferred to a hospital were included. The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) value at the kick-off time of each match, the number of visits to the spectator medical room, and the number of transfers to a hospital were reviewed and analyzed. The patient presentation rate (PPR) was calculated per 10,000 attendees. Severity categories were defined as mild or severe. Mild cases were considered non-life threatening requiring minimal medical intervention, and severe cases required transport to a hospital. RESULT: The total number of visits to the spectator medical room was 449 with a PPR of 2.63. Most cases (91.5%) were mild in severity. The PPR was significantly higher for the matches held with a WBGT over 25 °C than for the matches under 21 °C (PPR 4.27 vs 2.04, p = 0.04). Thirty-eight cases were transferred to a hospital by ambulance; the PPR was 0.22. The most common reasons for transfer to the hospital were heat illness and fracture/dislocation, at a rate of 15.8% each. The incidence rate of cardiopulmonary arrest per 10,000 attendees was 0.0059 during RWC 2019. CONCLUSION: Preparation and provision of appropriate medical service for spectators is a key factor for mass-gathering events. During RWC 2019, the majority (91.5%) of patients who sought medical attention did so for minor complaints, which were easily assessed and managed. On the other hand, a higher WBGT situation contributes significantly to an increased PPR (< 21 versus > 25, 2.04 versus 4.27, p = 0.04). Careful medical preparation, management, and development of public education programs for higher WBGT situations will be required in the future for similar international mega sports events.

Ageing and free-living daily physical activity effects on salivary beta-defensin 2 secretion.

This study examined ageing and free-living daily physical activity effects on salivary human beta-defensin 2 (hBD2). A total of 168 healthy elderly and 26 healthy young volunteers underwent saliva sampling. Free-living step count, energy expenditure and activity durations at specific intensity levels (inactive, light, moderate and vigorous) were evaluated. The results show significantly lower salivary hBD2 secretion rates for elderly than for young participants (P < 0.05). Data from elderly participants were stratified by steps per day using quartiles (Q1-Q4) for distribution. Elderly in quartiles respectively showed step counts of 3145 ± 129 in Q1, 5294 ± 83 in Q2, 7001 ± 86 in Q3 and 10,236 ± 416 steps · day-1 in Q4. In elderly participants, significant differences were found in the mean step count, energy expenditure and activity duration with increasing pedometer-determined activity quartiles. hBD2 secretion rates were significantly higher for Q2, Q3 and Q4 than for Q1 (P < 0.05). Elderly participants in Q3 had the highest hBD2 secretion. In conclusion, these results suggest that moderate physical activity in daily living improves age-related impairment of oral immune function mediated by hBD2. For oral immune function enhancement and for prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in elderly people, we recommend accumulation of more than 7000 steps · day-1.

The effects of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 and appropriate physical training on salivary secretory IgA levels in elderly adults with low physical fitness: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (b240) intake and appropriate physical training on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion in elderly adults with low physical fitness. Elderly adults with low physical fitness (daily step count below 3,500 steps) were divided into 2 groups: a b240 intake + exercise group (b240 group) and a placebo intake + exercise group (placebo group). Each subject continued intake of b240 or placebo and moderate-intensity resistance exercise for 12 weeks. Before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the start of intervention, each subject underwent saliva sampling. Before and after intervention, physical fitness tests and step count were measured. Our results showed that secretory immunoglobulin A secretion in 57 subjects during the b240/placebo intake period was significantly greater in the b240 group than in the placebo group (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in physical fitness tests before and after intervention in the 2 groups. The daily amount of walking increased significantly after intervention in both groups (p<0.05). These results suggest that in elderly adults with low physical activity and fitness, intake of b240 with appropriate physical exercise elevate salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion.

The use of contact lenses during water-polo play: a 20-year study of Japanese college players.

This study investigated the extent of contact-lens use in Japanese college water-polo male players over 20 years (1991-2011, once every five years). Information about the use of contact lenses during play and the types of contact lens was obtained through a self-report questionnaire. The proportion of contact lens use among the players while playing water polo differed from 1991 to 2011 (χ2(4) = 25.28, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.63). Fifty-four per cent of the players used contact lenses while playing in 1991 (P < 0.001); more than 74% in 1996; 89% in 2001; 84% in 2006; and 86% in 2011. While 96% of the contact lenses used by the players in 1991 were the soft type, 74%, 92%, 86%, and 88% of the contact lenses used in 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011, respectively, were the disposable type. These findings indicated a high percentage of players were using contact lenses while playing water polo between 1996 and 2011. This could be because the majority of players used disposable lenses. The results suggest that increasing use of contact lenses by water-polo players is beneficial.

Multicomponent supplement containing Chlorella decreases arterial stiffness in healthy young men.

Chlorella, a unicellular green alga, contains various antioxidants and other nutrients such as amino acids and fiber. Previous studies have reported that supplementation with multiple antioxidants reduces arterial stiffness, a well-established cardiovascular risk factor. We investigated the effects of Chlorella intake on arterial stiffness using a single-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study design. Fourteen young men took placebo or Chlorella tablets for four weeks, with a 12-week washout period between trials, in a randomized order. Before and after each trial, blood pressure, heart rate, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, an index of arterial stiffness, were measured. Treatment compliance was comparable between the two groups. There were no differences in blood pressure and heart rate before and after supplementation in both the placebo and Chlorella groups. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased after Chlorella intake (before vs after intake; 11.6 ± 0.2 vs 11.1 ± 0.1 m/s, p = 0.01), but not after placebo intake (11.4 ± 0.2 vs 11.4 ± 0.2 m/s, p = 0.98). Multicomponent analysis of the Chlorella-containing tablet detected nutrients that can reduce arterial stiffness, such as antioxidant vitamins, arginine, potassium, calcium, and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids. These results suggest that intake of a Chlorella-containing multicomponent supplement can decrease arterial stiffness.

Chlorella intake attenuates reduced salivary SIgA secretion in kendo training camp participants.

BACKGROUND: The green alga Chlorella contains high levels of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. We previously reported that a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement increased the secretion rate of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in humans. Here, we investigated whether intake of this chlorella-derived supplement attenuated the reduced salivary SIgA secretion rate during a kendo training camp. METHODS: Ten female kendo athletes participated in inter-university 6-day spring and 4-day summer camps. They were randomized into two groups; one took placebo tablets during the spring camp and chlorella tablets during the summer camp, while the other took chlorella tablets during the spring camp and placebo tablets during the summer camp. Subjects took these tablets starting 4 weeks before the camp until post-camp saliva sampling. Salivary SIgA concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: All subjects participated in nearly all training programs, and body-mass changes and subjective physical well-being scores during the camps were comparable between the groups. However, salivary SIgA secretion rate changes were different between these groups. Salivary SIgA secretion rates decreased during the camp in the placebo group (before vs. second, middle, and final day of camp, and after the camp: 146 ± 89 vs. 87 ± 56, 70 ± 45, 94 ± 58, and 116 ± 71 µg/min), whereas no such decreases were observed in the chlorella group (121 ± 53 vs. 113 ± 68, 98 ± 69,115 ± 80, and 128 ± 59 µg/min). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a use of a chlorella-derived dietary supplement attenuates reduced salivary SIgA secretion during a training camp for a competitive sport.

Mucosal immune function comparison between amenorrheic and eumenorrheic distance runners.

This study examined the effects of amenorrhea on mucosal immune function and susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in elite female distance runners. Based on their menstrual cycles during the prior year, 21 elite, collegiate, female distance runners were designated as eumenorrheic runners (ERs; n = 8; 19.9 ± 0.8 years) or amenorrheic runners (ARs; n n = 13; 20.0 ± 0.3 years). Resting saliva and blood samples were collected in the morning. The secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SIgA secretion rate was calculated. Serum 17ß-estradiol concentrations and serum progesterone concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. Subjects reported the appearance of URTI symptoms (sore throat, headache, runny nose, coughing, or fever), if any, during the prior month. The serum estradiol concentration and salivary SIgA secretion rate were significantly lower for ARs than for ERs (p < 0.05). Serum progesterone concentration was not significantly different between groups. Higher frequencies of headache, runny nose, coughing, and fever were observed in ARs than in ERs. Results show that athletic amenorrhea with low estrogen might accelerate downregulation of mucosal immune function in athletes and enhance susceptibility to infection.

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion increases after 4-weeks ingestion of chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement in humans: a randomized cross over study.

BACKGROUND: Chlorella, a unicellular green alga that grows in fresh water, contains high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Some studies have reported favorable immune function-related effects on biological secretions such as blood and breast milk in humans who have ingested a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement. However, the effects of chlorella-derived supplement on mucosal immune functions remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chlorella ingestion increases the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) secretion in humans using a blind, randomized, crossover study design. METHODS: Fifteen men took 30 placebo and 30 chlorella tablets per day for 4 weeks separated by a 12-week washout period. Before and after each trial, saliva samples were collected from a sterile cotton ball that was chewed after overnight fasting. Salivary SIgA concentrations were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: Compliance rates for placebo and chlorella ingestions were 97.0 ± 1.0% and 95.3 ± 1.6%, respectively. No difference was observed in salivary SIgA concentrations before and after placebo ingestion (P = 0.38). However, salivary SIgA concentrations were significantly elevated after chlorella ingestion compared to baseline (P < 0.01). No trial × period interaction was identified for the saliva flow rates. Although the SIgA secretion rate was not affected by placebo ingestion (P = 0.36), it significantly increased after 4-week chlorella ingestion than before intake (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest 4-week ingestion of a chlorella-derived multicomponent supplement increases salivary SIgA secretion and possibly improves mucosal immune function in humans.

Influences of weight loss on monocytes and T-cell subpopulations in male judo athletes.

The purpose of this study was to examine weight loss effects on immune function in judo athletes. Six elite male Japanese judo athletes (20.3 ± 0.4 years) were enrolled in this study. They completed usual weight loss programs during 2 weeks preceding an actual competition. Subjects noted the appearance of upper-respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms during the study period. Blood samples were obtained at 40 (baseline period: BL) and 3 (weight loss period: WL) days before and 1 day after the competition (AC). The CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56CD3, CD28CD4, CD28CD8, and Toll-like-receptor-4 (TLR-4) CD14 cells were counted by using flow cytometer analysis. The 6 subjects reported 1 headache, 3 runny nose conditions, and 1 coughing instance during the WL. The CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD28CD4 cell counts were significantly lower at WL than at BL (p ≤ 0.05); they reverted to the baseline value at AC. The TLR-4CD14 cells were significantly fewer at WL (p ≤ 0.05); they remained fewer than they had been at BL, even at AC. These results suggest that 2 weeks of weight loss before a competition can impair cell-mediated immune function and induce high susceptibility to URTI in judo athletes. Coaches, support staff, and athletes should monitor athletes' weight loss, hydration status, appearance of URTI symptoms, and immunocompetence such as lymphocytes and monocytes to prevent the physical condition from becoming worse.

Monocyte and T-cell responses to exercise training in elderly subjects.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on age-related impairment of immune parameters related to T-cell activation in elderly individuals. Twenty-four elderly subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 3 men, 9 women; age 61-76 years) or a nonexercise control group (CON: 4 men, 8 women; age 62-79 years). Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 2 d·wk(-1) for 12 weeks. The training session included stretching and endurance exercise (10 minutes), resistance training comprised leg extension, leg press, hip abduction, and hip adduction using exercise machine and each subject's body weight. Subjects in CON maintained their normal physical activity levels during the study period. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. Samples were measured for the numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and for CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD28(+)CD4(+), CD28(+)CD8(+), TRL-4(+)CD14(+), and CD80(+)CD14(+) cells. The number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells did not change after 12 weeks in either EXC or CON. The number of CD28(+)CD8(+) cells increased significantly after training in EXC (p ≤ 0.05), although CON showed no significant change. In the EXC group, CD80(+)CD14(+) cell counts were significantly higher after training (p ≤ 0.05), but the TLR-4(+)CD14(+) cell counts were unchanged. In the CON group, no significant alteration existed in TLR-4(+)CD14(+) and CD80(+)CD14(+) cell numbers. In conclusion, exercise training in elderly people is associated with increased CD28-expressing Tc cells and CD80-expressing monocytes. Therefore, exercise training might upregulate monocyte and T-cell-mediated immunity in elderly people.

Effects of three consecutive days exercise on lymphocyte DNA damage in young men.

Intense exercise affects the immune system. This study examines effects of three consecutive days of 1 h high-intensity exercise on lymphocyte counts, oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis in young untrained (n = 8, 23.8 +/- 3.2 years; UT) and endurance-trained (n = 8, 21.1 +/- 3.7 years; TR) subjects. The subjects performed cycle ergometer exercise at 75% VO2max 1 h daily for three consecutive days (exercise session). Blood samples were collected before exercise on the first day of the exercise session (day 1, D1) and at 24 h after the session (day 4, D4). Total lymphocyte counts, a lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage index using Comet assay with human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis markers were measured. Lymphocyte counts at D1 in TR were significantly lower than in UT. Lymphocyte counts in TR changed little at D4 (from 1,988 +/- 475 to 1,854 +/- 363 cell/microl), but the lymphocyte counts in UT decreased significantly at D4 (from 2,583 +/- 564 to 1,911 +/- 528 cell/microl, P < 0.05). Lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage increased concomitantly with exercise sessions in both the groups (UT, from 31.3 +/- 17.5 to 48.9 +/- 15.7%; TR, from 21.9 +/- 5.2 to 62.1 +/- 12.5%, P < 0.05). Although no change was found in apoptosis markers over time, Annexin-V(+) cells decreased in TR (effect size D = 0.8 is large). Three consecutive days of 1 h exercise decreased lymphocyte counts with increased lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage in UT. Lymphocyte counts remained unchanged irrespective of increased oxidative DNA damage in TR. Decreased lymphocyte apoptosis might prevent the decrease of lymphocytes in TR.

Effect of acupuncture on salivary immunoglobulin A after a bout of intense exercise.

UNLABELLED: In the field of athletics, acupuncture has been used for treatment of injury, reduction of fatigue and management of physical condition. However, there is little information on the effect of acupuncture on the immune function in response to exercise. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment on the mucosal immune function after a single period of intense exercise by measuring salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA). METHODS: 12 healthy men (23.6+/-SEv 0.3 years) participated in this study with a crossover design. The subjects exercised on a bicycle equipped with an ergometer at 75% VO(2)max for 60 min. Acupuncture treatment was applied at LU6, LI4, ST36 and ST6, for 30 min after the exercise. The control treatment was rest without acupuncture and that the order of the treatment was randomised. We measured parameters including saliva flow rate, SIgA concentration, SIgA secretion rate, heart rate and plasma catecholamine concentration all before the exercise and at 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 24 h after the exercise. The visual analogue scale for self-perceived tiredness and the profile of mood states questionnaires were recorded before the exercise and at 24 h after the exercise. RESULT: Intense exercise-induced decrease of SIgA levels was attenuated by the acupuncture treatment. In contrast, the subjective fatigue score and psychological measurement were not affected by the acupuncture. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture treatment may attenuate the decrease in SIgA level induced by intense exercise.

Clarifying the structure of serious head and spine injury in youth Rugby Union players.

This study aimed to clarify the cause of rugby head and spinal cord injuries through a network centrality analysis of 14-year (2004-2018) longitudinal data in Japan. The study hypothesis is that understanding the causal relationship among the occurrence of serious injuries, the quality of player experience and play situation as a network structure could be possible to obtain practical knowledge on injury prevention. In this study, bipartite graphs are used to make it easier to understand the situation of players and injuries. This would also help to elucidate more characteristic subgroup. A network bipartite graph and subgroup (cluster) analyses were performed to clarify the injured players' experience and the cause of injury. We used the algorithm of R program, IGRAPH, clustering edge betweenness. For subgroup extraction, the modularity Q value was used to determine which step to cut. The Japanese rugby population was 93,873 (2014-2018 average), and 27% were high school students. The data showed that careful attention would be particularly needed for groups of inexperienced Japanese high school players. Our study suggests that we should consider introducing rules that prohibit "head-on collisions" in youth rugby.

Effect of 6-day intense Kendo training on lymphocyte counts and its expression of CD95.

This study examines the effects of 6-day intensive training on lymphocyte counts and their expression of CD95. Eight healthy Kendo athletes underwent 6-day Kendo training of about 310 min each day. Blood samples were collected at 2 weeks before (PRE), the first day (Day 1), third day (Day 3), fifth day (Day 5), and 1 week after the training period (POST) to determine lymphocyte counts and CD95 expression on CD95 lymphocytes (CD4(+), CD8(+)) using flow cytometry. The total lymphocyte counts were significantly lower at Day 3 than at PRE. The CD8(+) cell counts were significantly lower at Day 3 than at PRE. The percentage of CD95(+) lymphocytes was significantly higher at Day 1 and Day 3 than at PRE. The percentage of CD8(+)CD95(+) cells did not change significantly. The total lymphocyte counts decreased and a concomitant increase of CD95(+) lymphocyte was observed, whereas the decrease in CD8(+) cell counts was not associated with the increase in CD8(+)CD95(+) cells. Therefore, short-term high-intensity exercise induced a decrease in the T lymphocyte counts without increasing in CD95(+) expression.

Effect of moderate exercise training on T-helper cell subpopulations in elderly people.

CD28 molecule expression on the surface of T cells plays a critical role in upregulation of various cytokines synthesis and T-helper (Th) cell proliferation and differentiation. However aging induces a decrease in CD28 expression and unbalance of Th1/Th2, leading to impairment of Th-cell mediated immune function. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of moderate exercise training on CD28 expression and the balance of Th1/Th2 cells in elderly people. Forty-eight elderly subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 13 males, 15 females; aged 61-76) or a non-exercise control group (CON: 7 males, 13 females; aged 62-79). Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 5-days a week for 6 months. Meanwhile, subjects in CON maintained their normal physical activity levels during the study period. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. Samples were measured for the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes, as well as for CD3+, CD4+, CD28+CD4+, IFN-gamma+CD4+, IL-4+CD4+ cells. The number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and CD3+ cells did not change after 6 months in both EXC and CON. The number of CD4+ and CD28+CD4+ cells significantly increased after the training in EXC (P < 0.05), while CON did not show significant changes. In the EXC group, IFN-gamma+CD4+ cell numbers were significantly higher following the training (P < 0.05), but the number of IL-4+CD4+ cells was not changed. In the CON group, there were no significant alterations in IFN-gamma+CD4+ and IL-4+CD4+ cell numbers. In conclusion, moderate exercise training in the elderly is associated with improvement of expression of CD28 on Th cells and Th1/Th2 balances. Therefore, exercise training could up-regulate Th cell-mediated immune functions and be helpful for a decrease in the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases in elderly people.

Reducing exercise-induced muscular injury in kendo athletes with supplementation of coenzyme Q10.

Intensive physical exercise may cause muscular injury and increase oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), on muscular injury and oxidative stress during exercise training. Eighteen male students, all elite Japanese kendo athletes, were randomly assigned to either a CoQ10 group (n 10) or a placebo group (n 8) in a double-blind manner. Subjects in the CoQ10 group took 300 mg CoQ10 per d for 20 d, while subjects in the placebo group took the same dosage of a placebo. All subjects practised kendo 5.5 h per d for 6 d during the experimental period. Blood samples were taken 2 weeks before, during (1 d, 3 d, 5 d) and 1 week after the training. Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and myoglobin (Mb) concentration significantly increased in both groups (at 3 d and 5 d). Serum CK (at 3 d), Mb (at 3 d) and lipid peroxide (at 3 d and 5 d) of the CoQ10 group were lower than those of the placebo group. The leucocyte counts in the placebo group significantly increased (at 3 d) and neutrophils significantly increased in both groups (at 3 d and 5 d). Serum scavenging activity against superoxide anion did not change in either group. These results indicate that CoQ10 supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscular injury in athletes.

The prevalence of anemia in Japanese Universiade athletes, detected with longitudinal preparticipation medical examinations.

BACKGROUND: No reports have evaluated the long-term trends of the prevalence of anemia in Universiade athletes using preparticipation medical examinations (PPMEs). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of anemia among Japanese Universiade athletes, using longitudinal PPMEs. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study, athletes with published data from official reports of the Japanese delegation of the summer Universiade games between 1977 and 2011 were included, as were similar-aged nonathletes with published health data, extracted from official national reports from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. PPME data and national health survey data included blood tests for anemia and the age of each participant. We compared the anemia prevalence in both groups using an unpaired t test. RESULTS: Anemia prevalence among Universiade athletes decreased by 11.6% over the study period (13.3% in 1977 to 1.7% in 2011). Moreover, anemia prevalence between 1991 and 2011 in the total Universiade athlete population was significantly lower than that in the nonathletic population (mean ± standard deviation: 5.2 ± 2.9% vs 9.8 ± 1.5%, respectively; P = .025). In female Universiade athletes, anemia prevalence between 1977 and 1981 was higher than that in the nonathletic populations (48.1% vs 19.7%, respectively). However, in 2003, this value was lower than that in nonathletic female populations (8.5% vs 19.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in anemia prevalence in Japanese Universiade athletes was revealed with longitudinal PPMEs. Hematological parameters should be evaluated longitudinally in athletes to provide continuous performance support throughout the athlete's career.

Effects of exercise, age and gender on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A in elderly individuals.

The influence of age and gender on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in response to moderate exercise training was studied in 158 elderly subjects. Subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 51 males, 74 females) or a non-exercise control group (CON: 11 males, 22 females). The subjects in each group were separated into four age-gender subgroups (60-69-yr-old males, over 70-yr-old males, 60-69-yr-old females, over 70-yr-old females) and compared by age and gender. Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 5-days a week for 6 months. Saliva samples were collected both before and after the study period. The SIgA secretion rates were significantly increased after training (p < 0.05) in all the age-gender subgroups of EXC (60-69 males: 41%, over 70 males: 55%, 60-69 females: 40%, over 70 females: 38%); no age- or gender-related differences were observed. On the other hand, none of the age-gender subgroups of CON showed significant changes in the SIgA secretion rate; also, there were no age- or gender-related differences. In conclusion, enhancement of mucosal immune function following regular moderate exercise training occurs in elderlies in their 60s and over 70 years, and in both, males and females.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise-induced muscular injury of rats.

AIM: We aimed to examine the effect of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on the exhaustive exercise-induced injury and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and liver. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups: rest group [control (Con)-Rest; n = 6)], exercise group (Con-Ex; n = 6), rest group with CoQ10 supplement (CoQ10-Rest; n = 6), and exercise group with CoQ10 supplement (CoQ10-Ex; n = 6). The exercise groups were run on a treadmill until exhaustion. The CoQ10 supplemented groups received an oral administration of CoQ10 (300 mg kg(-1), 4 weeks). After 4 weeks, total CoQ concentration, creatine kinase (CK), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), malondialdehyde (MDA), scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species [ROS; superoxide anions (O2*-) and hydroxyl radicals (HO*)] were measured. RESULTS: Total CoQ concentration in plasma, slow-twitch muscles (soleus and gastronemius deep portion), and liver were significantly increased by CoQ10 supplementation. Plasma CK was significantly higher in Con-Ex compared with Con-Rest, whereas there was no difference between CoQ10-Rest and CoQ10-Ex. There were no significant differences in muscle MDA in each group. Plasma GOT and liver MDA in exercise groups were significantly higher than that of rest groups, but not significantly different between CoQ10 supplemented groups and control groups. CoQ10 supplementation was not able to favorably influence ROS scavenging activity in skeletal muscle and liver. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicated that CoQ10 supplementation increased total CoQ concentration in the slow-twitch muscles, and was useful for reducing exhaustive exercise-induced muscular injury by enhancing stabilization of muscle cell membrane.

Effect of free-living daily physical activity on salivary secretory IgA in elderly.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to assess the relationship in elderly subjects between free-living daily physical activity and mucosal immunity, especially salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). METHODS: Elderly volunteers (114 men and 170 women) aged 71.3 +/- 0.3 yr (range: 65-86 yr) participated in this study. Resting saliva samples were collected in the morning. Saliva samples stimulated by chewing a sterile cotton ball at a frequency of 60/60 s were collected. The SIgA concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the SIgA secretion rate was calculated. Free-living step count (steps per day), energy expenditure (kJ x kg(-1) x d(-1)), and activity durations (min x d(-1)) at specific intensity levels (inactive, light, moderate, and vigorous) were evaluated using an electric pedometer. The data obtained were stratified by pedometer-determined steps per day using quartiles (Q1-Q4) for distribution. RESULTS: Elderly in quartiles showed step counts of 2962 +/- 94, 5118 +/- 62, 6832 +/- 59, and 9951 +/- 264 steps per day. Significant differences were found in the mean step count (P<0.0001), energy expenditure (P<0.0001), and activity duration (P<0.0001) with increasing pedometer-determined activity quartiles. Both SIgA concentration and SIgA-secretion rate were significantly higher for Q3 than for Q1 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, saliva flow rates showed no significant differences across quartiles. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a free-living daily physical activity level of approximately 7000 steps per day might be regarded as a moderate daily physical activity target for elderly people to improve mucosal immune function.