Reference values for triceps surae tissue oxygen saturation by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Objective.To establish the reference values for peripheral tissue perfusion of the triceps surae muscle assessed by Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at rest and in progressive effort.Approach.A total of 288 apparently healthy individuals of both sexes were included; between 30 and 79 years of age; nonsmokers; without diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, kidney disease, symptoms of angina and intermittent claudication, or any musculoskeletal alteration that would prevent physical exertion; and without diagnosis of Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or other associated symptoms. All individuals performed anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) assessments by NIRS during and after arterial occlusion maneuver and incremental shuttle walking test. The variables obtained by NIRS were presented in percentiles (P) for general comparison between sexes and for comparison between sexes according to age group. The relationship between the NIRS data and other variables was tested.Main results.Considering P50 and p<0.05, men had lower StO2 values, higher deoxygenation and reoxygenation (Tx-reox) rates at rest, and higher Tx-reox during progressive effort. There were correlations (p<0.0001) of body composition with the lowest StO2 and Tx-reox values and of functional capacity with Tx-reox in occlusion and Tx-reox.Significance.The percentiles presented can clinically assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of different health conditions; however, it is important to consider the individual's sex, body composition, and functional capacity.

Swim training suppresses tumor growth in mice.

The present study was designed to determine the effects of physical training on the development of cancer induced by the injection of Ehrlich tumor cells in mice. Male Swiss mice were subjected to a swim training protocol (5 days/wk for 6 wk, 1 h at 50% of maximal capacity-trained groups) or remained sedentary in their cages (sedentary groups). The inoculation of Ehrlich tumor cells was performed at the end of the fourth week, and animals were killed after 6 wk of training. Heart and solid tumor weights were recorded, and tumor volumes were calculated. Portions of the tumors were used for the evaluation of macrophages and neutrophil accumulation or fixed in neutral 10% buffered formalin for histological analysis. The tumor volume and weight were, respectively, approximately 270% and 280% greater in sedentary mice than in trained mice. Macrophage infiltration in the tumor tissue was significantly lower in trained mice (0.65 +/- 0.16 vs. 1.78 +/- 0.43 macrophages x 10(3) in the sedentary group). Moreover, neutrophil accumulation in tumors was slightly reduced after exercise training, and the amount of tumor cells was reduced in trained mice. Exercise capacity was substantially increased in trained mice, as determined by a 440% increase in the exercise time at 50% of maximal capacity. In summary, swim training retarded the development of Ehrlich tumors in mice, accompanied by a reduction in macrophage infiltration and neutrophil accumulation. These findings provide conceptual support for clinical observations that controlled physical activities may be a therapeutically important approach to preventing cancer progression and may improve the outcome of cancer treatment.