The short time effect of spirulina supplementation on some oxidative stress markers of elite endurance cyclist

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate short time effect of spirulina supplementation on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level. Methods: The study design was quasi experimental with pre and post-test. For this reason, 14 male endurance cyclist (age 20.5±1.4, height 180.21±4.33, weight 66.4±2.16, BMI 20.22±0.7, VO2Max 71.78±2.93) that they are/were member of Iran national team were selected as participant. 1 week before test, Participants were asked to stop all supplements consumption containing vitamins and minerals which they have been using. Resting Blood sample were taken of fasting, for assessing research variable at least 18 hours after last their training session. After exhaustive exercise and body composition assessment at pretest, participates were derived into 2 groups, based on BMI (Spirulina group n=7, control group n=7). Participants used supplements in same way and same principle (6×500mg tablet per day) for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks supplementation, blood sample was taken for resting value of MDA and SOD. Results: Between and within groups analysis demonstrated significant increase in SOD and MDA levels under effect of exercise and 2 weeks spirulina supplementation reduced and increased significantly MDA levels (P<0.05) and SOD levels (P<0.05) at rest and after exhaustive exercise- in Spirulina group in comparison with placebo group. Conclusion: According to results, 2 weeks of spirulina supplementation can reduce oxidative stress in elite endurance cyclist

The short time effect of spirulina supplementation on some oxidative stress markers of elite endurance cyclist

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate short time effect of spirulina supplementation on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level. Methods: The study design was quasi experimental with pre and post-test. For this reason, 14 male endurance cyclist (age 20.5±1.4, height 180.21±4.33, weight 66.4±2.16, BMI 20.22±0.7, VO2Max 71.78±2.93) that they are/were member of Iran national team were selected as participant. 1 week before test, Participants were asked to stop all supplements consumption containing vitamins and minerals which they have been using. Resting Blood sample were taken of fasting, for assessing research variable at least 18 hours after last their training session. After exhaustive exercise and body composition assessment at pretest, participates were derived into 2 groups, based on BMI (Spirulina group n=7, control group n=7). Participants used supplements in same way and same principle (6×500mg tablet per day) for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks supplementation, blood sample was taken for resting value of MDA and SOD. Results: Between and within groups analysis demonstrated significant increase in SOD and MDA levels under effect of exercise and 2 weeks spirulina supplementation reduced and increased significantly MDA levels (P<0.05) and SOD levels (P<0.05) at rest and after exhaustive exercise- in Spirulina group in comparison with placebo group. Conclusion: According to results, 2 weeks of spirulina supplementation can reduce oxidative stress in elite endurance cyclist

Effect of Zinc supplementation on serum testosterone and plasma lactate in male cyclist after one bout of exhaustive exercise

Background and aims: There is fairly scarce information about the effects of zinc, an essential trace element, on exercise performance. Studies concentrate mostly on the distribution of this element in the body in response to exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exhaustion exercise on the testosterone levels and plasma lactates in road cyclists who are supplemented with oral zinc for 4 weeks. Methods: In this semi experimental sixteen male road cyclists, who were healthy in the first evaluation were selected from the Tehran traffic team and were divided into two groups according to mass body index zinc group and control group. After 4 weeks zinc supplementation (30 mg/day), blood samples were collected from each subject before and after an exhaustive exercise bout. Data were analyzed by independent and paired sample t test. Results: Total testosterone, free testosterione and lactate levels in two groups were increased by exercise (P0.05). There was a significant difference between effects of exhaustion exercise on free testosterone levels between two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to this study, zinc supplementation has no significant effects on testosterone and lactate levels in response to exercise in subjects with a balance diet. However, free testosterone levels were increased by exercise after zinc supplementation

The Effect of Eight-week Swimming Exercise and Gallic Acid on Hippocampal BDNF and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Trimethyltin Induced Cognitive deficits

Background and Objective: Trimethyltin (TMT) is an organotin neurotoxin which causes cognitive disorders by the induction of selective damage in hippocampus. The present study evaluates the effect of 8-week swimming exercise (EX) and Gallic acid (GA) for working and avoidance memory, hippocampal oxidative stress indices and brain neurotrophic factor expression (BDNF) in rats after TMT intoxication. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 Wistar mature male rats were randomly put in 5 groups of control, TMT+NS, TMT+GA200, TMT+EX, TMT+GA200+EX. 24 hours after TMT intoxication (8mg/kg), 8 weeks of swimming exercise (3 sessions per week), and treatment with GA (200mg/kg) were done. Then, the evaluation of working and passive avoidance memory was performed respectively by the use of Y maze and shuttle box. Hippocampal level of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and BDNF were done by ELISA method, and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was performed by thiobarbituric acid (MDA). Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The significant decrease in the percentage of alteration behaviors, latency time to the dark room, along with BDNF, CAT, TAC and increase of MDA were seen in TMT+NS group compared to control group (p<0.01). Swimming exercise in the interaction with GA ameliorates working and avoidance memory by increasing BDNF, CAT, TAC, and decrease of MDA compared to TMT+NS group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that swimming exercise and GA administration improves cognitive symptoms following TMT intoxication simultaneously by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing BDNF expression

The effectiveness of two energy drinks on selected indices of maximal cardiorespiratory fitness and blood lactate levels in male athletes

Background: Consumption of energy drinks has become widespread among athletes. The effectiveness of Red Bull and Hype energy drinks on selected indices of maximal cardiorespiratory fitness and blood lactate levels in male athletes was examined in this study. Methods: Ten male student athletes (age: 22.4 ± 2.1 years, height: 180.8 ± 7.7 cm, weight: 74.2 ± 8.5 kg) performed three randomized maximal oxygen consumption tests on a treadmill. Each test was separated by four days and participants were asked to ingest Red Bull, Hype or placebo drinks 40 minutes before the exercise bout. The VO 2max , time to exhaustion, heart rate and lactate were measured to determine if the caffeine-based beverages influence performance. ANOVA test was used for analyzing data. Results: A greater value was observed in VO 2max and time to exhaustion for the Red Bull and Hype trial compared to the placebo trial (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in pre- and post-test heart rate for two drinks (p > 0.05). For blood lactate levels no significant changes were observed before and two minute after the test (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Ingestion of Red Bull and Hype prior to exercise testing is effective on some indices of cardiorespira-tory fitness but not on the blood lactate levels

Effect of saffron supplementation with resistance training on serum leptin levels, body composition and muscle strength in non-athletic young men

Background and Aim: Nowadays, using of natural and traditional supplements has become widespread in order to better exercise sports skills by improving body composition and increasing strength. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of saffron and resistance training on serum leptin levels, body composition and muscle strength in non-athletic young men. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 30 young non-athletes were selected through purposeful sampling and randomly divided into two groups: resistance training and saffron supplementation (15), and resistance training (15 people). Both groups performed the exercise protocol with four sessions of resistance training per week with 60-70% of a maximal repeat. Also, the first group consumed a single 150 mg pill of pure saffron daily. At the beginning and the end of the study, blood samples were taken for measurement of leptin, body biometric measurements were measured by BIA impedance biomechanical method, and high trunk and trunk strength were measured by chest compression and foot press, respectively. Data analysis was performed with dependent independent t tests. Results: There was a significant difference in the level of leptin, body fat percentage and lean mass between the resistance training group and saffron supplementation and resistance training group (p≤0.05), upper and lower body strengths were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: According to the results, resistance training along with taking a saffron supplement can improve body composition in non-athletes men, but it does not improve upper and lower body strength

Effect of resistance training and dark chocolate extract supplementation on the level of plasma Myogenic Factor 5 and muscle strength in the elderly

Background and Aim: Catechins in dark chocolate can improve the reduction of muscle mass in the elderly due to the sarcopenia by the positive effect on muscle growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks resistance training and dark chocolate extract supplementation on the plasma levels of Myogenic Factor 5 (Myf5) and muscle strength in the older adults. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 36 elderly adults (19 males, 17 females), were objectively selected and randomly divided into four groups: training (RT) (n=8), supplement (S) (n=10), training + supplement (RT+S)(n=9), and control (C)(n=9). Subjects of RT and RT+S groups underwent a resistance training program. S and RT+S groups consumed capsules containing 500mg of dark chocolate extract –containing epicatechin- every day. Before and after eight weeks intervention, the plasma levels of Myf5 were measured by ELIZA method and the muscle strength was measured by 1-Repeatation Maximum (1RM) test. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Results: Myf5 values increased significantly in RT, S and RT+S groups compared to C group after the intervention (P≤0.05). Myf5 values were significantly higher in RT+S group compared to RT and S groups (P≤0.05). Moreover, chest press and leg press maximal strength increased in RT and RT+S groups in comparison with C group (P≤0.05). Conclusion:  8-weeks resistance training with the consumption of dark chocolate extract supplement have more efficient effects on the enhancement of plasma myf5 in the older adults compared to mere resistance training

Relationship between athlete’s men cortisol with leukocytosis and Neutrophils numbers after exercise in cold, warm and normal temperatures conditions

Background & Objective: Exercise and extreme environments, causes hormonal and immune systems changes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was evaluating the relationship between cortisol and leukocytosis and Neutrophil numbers after exercise in cold, warm and natural temperatures. Materials & Methods: Ten young male athletes ran on a treadmill for an hour at the intensity of %60VO2max in three temperature conditions of normal (22±1˚c, 50±5RH), cold (3±1˚c, 50±2RH) and warm (35±1˚c, 50±5RH). Blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise. The total numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils were computed using Sysmex Kohden Nihon and serum cortisol concentrations determined by using ELISA. For comparing of data before and after exercise used from Paired T-test and for examine the relationship between variables used from Pearson Correlation Coefficient test. Results: The total leukocytes and the cortisol levels increased significantly after the exercise, in all the conditions (p<0.0001). Also, the number of neutrophils increased significantly after exercise in cold (p=0.001) and normal (p=0.001) environments. In addition, a significant relation was observed between cortisol levels and leukocytosis (R=0.783, P=0.007 and R=0.813, P=0.004) and between cortisol and Neutrophils after exercising in the natural and warm environment (R=0.806, P=0.005 and R=0.852, P=0.002). But, there was no significant relationship between these values after exercise in cold (R=0.63, P=0.051 and R=0.554, P=0.096). Conclusion: Exercise in all the three conditions causes the release of cortisol through stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal (HPA) and effect of cortisol receptor on immune cells could cause increase Neutrophils and leukocytosis. It seems that elevation of cortisol concentration during exercise in warm and natural environments is responsible for increase Neutrophils and leukocytosis. Moreover, during exercise in cold environments, factors other than cortisol, such as catecholamine and cardiovascular changes and muscle damage may lead to this event

Investigating the Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Along With High-intensity Circuit Training on Lipid Profile and Body Fat in Overweight Elderly

Aims Lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and exercise, are highly recommended for managing dyslipidemia. This study aims to investigate the combined effects of high-intensity circuit training along with vitamin D and calcium supplementation on body fat and plasma lipid profiles in overweight elderly. Methods & Materials A total of 47 elderly subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups based on their body mass index as follows: Vitamin D and calcium supplementation+high-intensity circuit training group (D+Ca+T: n=12); high-intensity circuit training+placebo (T+P: n=13); vitamin D and calcium supplementation (D+Ca: n=12); and control group (CON: n=10). The subjects in the D+Ca group respectively received vitamin D and Ca supplements at 50 000 IU per week and 1000 mg per day for 8 weeks. Meanwhile, the subjects in training groups exercised 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The subjects in the D+Ca+T group participated in both treatments. The control group was instructed to maintain their regular daily routine throughout the study period. Body fat and blood lipid levels were assessed at the beginning of the study and after the 8-week intervention.  Findings The D+Ca+T, T+P, and D+Ca groups exhibited significant reductions in body fat percentage (P≤0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly improved in the D+Ca+T, T+P, and D+Ca groups (P≤0.05), with no significant changes observed in these variables in the control group. Conclusion The results showed that high-intensity circuit training, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation would positively affect body fat and blood lipid profiles in overweight elderly. Moreover, vitamin D and calcium supplementation were especially effective when combined with exercise training

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Lipid Factors in Spinal Cord Injury individuals

Objective: People with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), are at risk for cardiorespiratory illnesses because sedentary life. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular, respiratory and lipid profiles in spinal cord injured individuals. Materials & Methods: Twenty spinal cord injured individuals above 70% level of disability (49.9 ± 4.5 years old, and 25.9 ± 1.8 years of SCI, BMI 25.03 ± 3.9 kg/m2) randomly divided into two trained and sedentary control groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, VC, FEVI, HDL-C, LDL-C and fasting blood glucose were measured before and after the program, 8-week exercise training program (aerobic exercise, 30 min/day, 3 days/week) for two groups. The collected data were analyzed using the Repeated Measure test at the significant level of P<0.05 (P<0.05). Results: Systolic blood pressure and LDL-C decreased significantly after exercise in trained group (P=0.004, P=0.02). The levels of VC (P=0.01), FEV1 (P=0.031), HDL-C (P=0.004) increased significantly after exercise. There was no significant difference in these variables between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Given the data obtained from current study, it seems that a course of exercise (8 weeks) could cause improvement in cardiovascular, respiratory and lipid profiles of individuals with spinal cord injury