Changes in the morphological, rheological, and biochemical blood indicators in triathletes

The aim of this study was to assess how the influence of intense physical effort changes the morphological, rheological, and biochemical blood indicators in triathletes. The study group comprised 10 triathletes aged 30-45 years, members of the Active Side of Life Association (Kraków, Poland). Venous blood was collected from the study participants twice, before and after the DiablakBeskid Extreme Triathlon 2016 (the Carpathians, Poland), and once from the control group for analysis of the selected blood indicators. Statistically significant changes were observed in the study group before and after the triathlon in morphological blood indicators, in the elongation index at the shear stress of 0.30 and 0.58 Pa, in levels of electrolytes, creatinine (mmol/l), serum protein parameters, and high-sensitivity troponin (ng/l). No such differences were reported for the remaining parameters. In turn, when comparing the study group before the triathlon with the control group, statistically significant differences were recorded in MCHC (g/dl), in the elongation index at the shear stress of 0.30 and 0.58 Pa, and Cl– (mmol/l) levels. No such differences were reported for the remaining parameters. Blood haematological and biochemical indicators in individuals that participate in triathlons characterize the actual range and direction of effort-related changes well and allow for the diagnosis of transient adaptive effects. Rheological parameters, involving the evaluation of erythrocyte deformability and aggregation, are useful for monitoring the particularly undesirable, short- and long-term effects of practicing extreme sports such as triathlons

Effects of Nordic Walking on Oxidant and Antioxidant Status: Levels of Calcidiol and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Middle-Aged Women

Objectives. Nordic walking (NW) is relatively new and popular type of physical exercise with less studied effects than other sports activities. The aim of the study was to analyze possible changes in somatic indices, oxidant and antioxidant status, interleukins, and calcidiol levels in middle-aged women after a 12-week NW training program. Study Design. In this study, we examined the effects of NW training on selected measures and changes in body weight, fat mass, and calcidiol levels. Methods. The study group consisted of 13 women (46 ± 4.2 years), who took part in trainings. Before and after the training program, some anthropometric indices were determined and selected biochemical parameters were measured in blood. Results. NW training led to a significant decrease of the total body mass and fat mass and to an increase in lean body mass (p<0.05). It also contributed to a significant increase in total antioxidative status (TAS) and calcidiol levels (p<0.05). Before training, a reverse correlation between IL-6 and total oxidative capacity (TOC) levels (p<0.05) was found, while after training between IL-6 and calcidiol levels (p≤0.001). Conclusions. 12-week NW training undertaken by premenopausal women not only has a positive effect on body composition but also on the plasma antioxidative capacity

Influence of 5-Week Snack Supplementation with the Addition of Gelatin Hydrolysates from Carp Skins on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Balance Disturbances (TOS, TAS) in a Group of Athletes

The research objective was to assess the effects of 5-week snack supplementation with added enzymatic hydrolysates from carp skins on shifts in pro-oxidative and antioxidant balance among athletes. The study comprised 49 adults (experimental group (E)&mdash;17, placebo (P)&mdash;16, control (C)&mdash;16) practicing endurance disciplines. Selected somatic indices and maximal oxygen uptake/m (VO2max) were measured. Based on VO2max, an individual exercise intensity was selected with predominating eccentric contractions (60% VO2max). The conducted tests consisted of 2 series (1st&mdash;graded and eccentric, 2nd&mdash;eccentric). The experimental group consumed a snack with added gelatin hydrolysates from carp skins for 5 weeks in between the series, the placebo&mdash;a snack without added hydrolysates, and in the control&mdash;no supplementation was implemented. Blood samples were taken before, and 1, 24 and 48 h after completion of the eccentric test. TAS and TOC concentrations in the blood plasma were assessed. No significant changes in TOS/TOC and TAS/TAC concentrations were noted between the 1st and the 2nd test series, before or following the eccentric test in the control and placebo groups. In the measurements performed 1, 24 and 48 h after completion, the observed differences were highly significant (p &lt; 0.001). After 5 weeks of snack consumption, an increase from medium to high antioxidant potential was observed for E. Differences between the 1st and the 2nd test series were of high statistical significance (p &lt; 0.001). The demonstrated differences in pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance indices between successive series allow to confirm antioxidant effects and indicate possibilities for its implementation, not only in sports

Biological significance of chromium III for the human organism

Currently, chromium is probably the most controversial transition metal. In recent publications it is clearly stated that it is not an essential micronutrient and should be considered to have a pharmacological effect. Conflicting scientific reports along with a huge amount of dietary supplements, as well as dietary and sports nutrients available on the market have prompted the authors to investigate the available information on the range of possible application, efficacy and safety of products containing salts or chelates of chromium III. The authors reviewed articles in electronic databases for the years 1959–2016, and selected works describing the biochemical, physiological and toxic properties of chromium salts and chelates and the range of possible applications in medicine, dietetics and sport. A critical analysis of reports dealing with the effect of chromium on the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, body composition, lean body mass and sports performance was carried out. The authors indicated papers analyzing the mechanism of action of chromium in the cognitive and affective disorders. Much attention has been paid to the safety use of chromium III supplements. There are still some unsolved issues. In the field of toxicology, a limited number of reports about environmental exposure to trivalent chromium in the workplace draws our attention. In the field of biochemical research, there is still a need to clarify the mechanism of psychiatric and endocrinological activity, especially in conjunction with the immune system. Med Pr 2018;69(2):211–22

Wpływ intensywnego wysiłku na wskaźniki morfologiczne krwi u triathlonistów startujących w zawodach XTERRA POLAND 2017

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of participation in the XTERRA Poland 2017 triathlon on blood morphology indicators. Material and methods: The study was performed in a group among 10 triathletes aged 30-40 years. Blood was collected 24 hours before, immediately after , and 16 hours after the competition. Blood morphological indicators were evaluated using the ABXMicros60 analyser. Results: Comparison of the results among the first (24 hours before the competition), second (immediately after the competition), and third assessment (16 hours after the competition) revealed statistically significant changes for WBC [109/l], RBC [1012/l], HGB [g/l], HCT [l/l], MCV [fl] and PLT [109/l]. Conclusions: The intensity of effort in the XTERRA Poland 2017 triathlon competitors was confirmed in the results of blood morphology. Blood counts in those practicing triathlon well characterise the actual scope and direction of exercise changes and allow for the diagnosis of transient adaptive effects. The results of the research confirmed that vigorous physical effort during the triathlon increased leukocyte and platelet counts, but 16 hours after completing the competition, their value was close to baseline level. Most likely, this phenomenon was caused by the intense effort, stress or even eating a large meal before the competition. Analysing the red blood cell system showed a tendency towards decrease in the number of red blood cells, HGB and HCT both after the competition and 16 hours after its completion, which results from increased post-exercise haemolysis or the risk of anaemia.Cel: Celem pracy jest uzyskanie odpowiedzi w jaki sposób udział w triathlonie XTERRA POLAND 2017 wpłynął na wskaźniki morfologii krwi. Materiał i metody: Badanie przeprowadzono w grupie 10 triathlonistóww wieku 30-40 lat. Krew pobrano 24 godziny przed zawodami, bezpośrednio po zawodach oraz 16 godzin po zakończeniu zawodów. Wykonano oznaczenia wskaźników morfologicznych krwi u triathlonistów w aparacie ABX MICROS 60. Wyniki: Analizując wyniki pomiędzy pierwszym pomiarem (24 godzin przed zawodami) a pomiarem drugim (bezpośrednio po zawodach) i trzecim pomiarem (16 godzin po) zaobserwowano zmiany istotne statystycznie dla: WBC [109/L], RBC [10¹²/L], HGB [g/L], HCT [L/L], MCV [fL], PLT [109/L]. Wnioski: Stopień zaawansowania wysiłku u zawodników startujących w triatlonie XTERRA POLAND 2017 został potwierdzony w wynikach morfologii krwi. Wskaźniki morfologii krwi u osób uprawiających triathlon dobrze charakteryzują faktyczny zakres i kierunek zmian wysiłkowych oraz pozwalają na diagnostykę przejściowych skutków adaptacyjnych. Wyniki badań potwierdziły, iż intensywny wysiłek fizyczny podczas triathlonu wpłynął na zwiększenie leukocytów i płytek krwi, jednak 16 godzin po zakończeniu zawodów ich wartość była zbliżona do stanu wyjściowego. Najprawdopodobniej zjawisko to zostało spowodowane intensywnym wysiłkiem, stresem czy nawet spożyciem dużego posiłku przed zawodami. Analizując układ czerwonokrwinkowy wykazano tendencję do zmniejszania się liczby krwinek czerwonych, HGB i HCT zarówno po zawodach jak i 16 godzin po zakończeniu zawodów co wynika z nasilonej hemolizy powysiłkowej czy zagrożeniem wystąpienia anemii

The Effect of 12-week-long Nordic Walking Exercise on Body Composition, Changes in Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism Indices, Concentration of Selected Adipokines and Calcidiol in Healthy Middle-aged Women

Research objective. This study aimed at analysing the changes in the level of somatic indicators, the secretion profile of selected adipokines, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indices and calcidiol concentration after a 12-week-long nordic walking (NW) exercise in middle-aged women. Research material and methods. The study included 13 women aged 45.5±4.2 years who participated in a 12-week-long NW exercise, 3 times a week, 90 minutes each. Each of the women had individually determined workout intensity zones which were monitored based on the heart rate. Prior to the exercise programme and after it, somatic traits were assessed and blood was sampled in order to make biochemical analyses. Results. In the examined women, a decrease in mean body weight by 2.5 kg and a reduction in fat mass (FM), on average by 3.8 kg (i.e. 4.6%), coupled with an increase in lean body mass (LBM) by 1.3 kg, were observed after 36 workout units. A significant decrease in TC, LDL-C and TG concentrations and no changes in HDL-C concentration occurred after the exercise, which contributed to lowered atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and atherosclerosis risk index (ARI). Conclusions. Individualised and regular physical activity in the form of NW had a protective effect on the body, resulting in improved body composition, adiponectin secretion profile, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and calcidiol concentration in middle-aged women

The Role of Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Asthma

Asthma is a chronic complex pulmonary disease characterized by airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) are two significant mediators involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. In asthma, VEGF and EDN levels are elevated and correlate with disease severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. Diversity in VEGF polymorphisms results in the variability of responses to glucocorticosteroids and leukotriene antagonist treatment. Targeting VEGF and eosinophils is a promising therapeutic approach for asthma. We identified lichochalcone A, bevacizumab, azithromycin (AZT), vitamin D, diosmetin, epigallocatechin gallate, IGFBP-3, Neovastat (AE-941), endostatin, PEDF, and melatonin as putative add-on drugs in asthma with anti-VEGF properties. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of those drugs. AZT reduces the exacerbation rate and may be considered in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, the long-term effects of AZT on community microbial resistance require further investigation. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance corticosteroid responsiveness. Herein, anti-eosinophil drugs are reviewed. Among them are, e.g., anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab), anti-IL-13 (lebrikizumab and tralokinumab), anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 (dupilumab), and anti-IgE (omalizumab) drugs. EDN over peripheral blood eosinophil count is recommended to monitor the asthma control status and to assess the efficacy of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma

The effect of sauna bathing on lipid profile in young, physically active, male subjects

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of Finnish sauna bathing on lipid profile in healthy, young men. Material and Methods: Sixteen male subjects (20–23 years) were subjected to 10 sauna bathing sessions in a Finnish sauna every 1 or 2 days. The mean sauna temperature was 90±2°C, while humidity was 5–16%. Each session consisted of three 15-minute parts and a 2-minute cool-down between them. The following measurements were taken before and after the sauna sessions: body mass, heart rate, body skinfold thickness. The percentage fat content and then, the lean body mass were calculated. Total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, lipoprotein cholesterol LDL and HDL were measured in blood samples. Results: A statistically significant decrease of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was observed during 3 weeks of sauna treatment and in the week afterwards. A significant decline in triacylglycerols was found directly after the 1st and 24 h directly after the 10th sauna session. After the 10th sauna session the level of HDL cholesterol remained slightly increased, but this change was not statistically significant. A decrease in blood plasma volume was found directly after the 1st and the last sauna bathing session due to perspiration. An adaptive increase in blood plasma volume was also found after the series of 10 sauna sessions. Conclusions: Ten complete sauna bathing sessions in a Finnish sauna caused a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol fraction levels during the sessions and a gradual return of these levels to the initial level during the 1st and the 2nd week after the experiment. A small, statistically insignificant increase in HDL-C level and a transient decline in triacylglycerols were observed after those sauna sessions. The positive effect of sauna on lipid profile is similar to the effect that can be obtained through a moderate-intensity physical exercise

Changes in oxidative and nitrosative stress indicators and vascular endothelial growth factor after maximum-intensity exercise assessing aerobic capacity in males with type 1 diabetes mellitus

In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), chronic hyperglycemia causes reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. Exercise alters the oxidant-antioxidant balance. We evaluated the aerobic capacity and oxidant-antioxidant balance changes after maximum-intensity exercise in T1DM patients. The study involved 30 T1DM participants and 23 controls. The patients’ average age was 23.4 ± 5.1 years, with a body mass index of 24.3 ± 3.1 kg m(–2) and with satisfactory glycemic control. Among the controls, the respective values equaled 24.7 ± 2.9 years and 22.9 ± 2.1 kg m(–2). Aerobic capacity was assessed with a treadmill test. Peak minute oxygen uptake was significantly lower in T1DM compared with the controls (44.7 ± 5.7 vs. 56.0 ± 7.3 mL kg(–1) min(–1)). The total oxidant capacity measured by total oxidative status/total oxidative capacity (TOS/TOC) equaled 321.5 ± 151 μmol L(–1) before and 380.1 ± 153 μmol L(–1) after exercise in T1DM, and 164.1 ± 75 and 216.6 ± 75 μmol L(–1) in the controls (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). A significant difference in the ratio of total antioxidant status/total antioxidant capacity (TAS/TAC) between the groups after the treadmill test was observed (p < 0.05). Nitrosative stress indicators where significantly higher in the T1DM group both before and after the exercise. In conclusion, diabetic patients demonstrated a lower aerobic capacity. The TOS/TOC and nitrosative stress indicators were significantly higher in T1DM before and after the test