The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its single nucleotide polymorphisms in stroke patients

Stroke is the main cause of motoric and neuropsychological disability in adults. Recent advances in research into the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection and neurogenesis might provide important information for the development of new poststroke-rehabilitation strategies. It plays a role as a mediator in motor learning and rehabilitation after stroke. Concentrations of BDNF are lower in acute ischemic-stroke patients compared to controls. Lower levels of BDNF are correlated with an increased risk of stroke, worse functional outcomes and higher mortality. BDNF signalling is dependent on the genetic variation which could affect an individual's response to recovery after stroke. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms of the BDNF gene have been studied with regard to stroke patients, but most papers analyse the rs6265 which results in a change from valine to methionine in the precursor protein. Subsequently a reduction in BDNF activity is observed. There are studies indicating the role of this polymorphism in brain plasticity, functional and morphological changes in the brain. It may affect the risk of ischemic stroke, post-stroke outcomes and the efficacy of the rehabilitation process within physical exercise and transcranial magnetic stimulation. There is a consistent trend of Met alleles’ being connected with worse outcomes and prognoses after stroke. However, there is no satisfactory data confirming the importance of Met allele in stroke epidemiology and the post-stroke rehabilitation process. We present the current data on the role of BDNF and polymorphisms of the BDNF gene in stroke patients, concentrating on human studies

Exercise Training-Induced Changes in Inflammatory Mediators and Heat Shock Proteins in Canoeists

According to cytokine overtraining theory, skeletal muscle injuries are related to systemic inflammatory reaction. In response to inflammation, cells rapidly produce a series of proteins known as heat shock proteins (HSPs).These are considered to be molecular chaperones which play a universal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Among the subset of stress-responsive proteins, HSP27 and HSP70 are considered to be a new approach to monitoring exercise training and adaptive mechanisms. The study was designed to demonstrate the effect of sport training on changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines and HSPs, and their relation with muscle damage and body composition. Six elite canoeists (19.8 ±2.9 yr) were observed during preparatory training period (March) at the 1st, the 4th and after 7 days of the conditioning camp, and then after 3 days of recovery. The canoeing training did not induce muscle damage, decreased in IL-1β and HSP27, increased in TNFα and HSP70 concentrations. The highest changes in TNFα and HSP70 were observed 3 days after conditioning camp (during recovery) compared to initial level (the 1st day of conditioning camp). TNFα correlated with HSP27 (r = –0.563; P < 0.01) and HSP70 (r = 0.651; P < 0.001). Any significant changes in body composition were not observed. In conclusion, we could say that typical canoeing training improves cytokines and HSPs release, however, the changes are not related to muscle damage

Generacja tlenku azotu w odpowiedzi na intensywny wysiłek fizyczny

Tlenek azotu (NO), jako cząsteczka sygnałowa, odgrywa kluczową rolę w odbudowie włókien mięśniowych szczególnie we wczesnej fazie po uszkodzeniu, inicjując proliferację komórek macierzystych mięśni (ang. satellite cells), angiogenezę i synaptogenezę w aksonach motoneuronu, i w efekcie wzrost siły skurczu mięśnia. Celem badań była ocena zmian stężenia NO pod wpływem intensywnego wysiłku fizycznego, zależności między generacją NO a uszkodzeniem mięśni szkieletowych i składem ciała. Badania przeprowadzono z udziałem 18-osobowej grupy kobiet i mężczyzn w wieku 21,3 ± 2,0 lat. Badani zostali poddani testowi wysiłkowemu o wzrastającej intensywności do odmowy. Krew pobierano przed wysiłkiem, w 1 min, 30 min, 24 godz i 48 godz po wysiłku. W surowicy krwi oznaczono stężenie mioglobiny (Mb; wskaźnik uszkodzenia mięśni) i tlenku azotu (NO) metodami immunoenzymatycznymi. Analizę składu ciała dokonano metodą impedancji bioelektrycznej (ang. bioelectrical impedance, BIA). Stężenie Mb i NO wzrosło statystycznie istotnie w 1 min po zakończeniu wysiłku, i utrzymywało się na wysokim poziomie do 24 godz po wysiłku. Między stężeniem Mb a NO zaobserwowano dodatnią korelację (r=0,446, P<0,001). Ponadto wykazano zależność pomiędzy komponentami składu ciała a maksymalnym pochłanianiem tlenu. Wskaźnik masy tkanki tłuszczowej (ang. fat mass index) korelował z wartością VO2max (r=-0,521, P<0,001), ale nie korelował ze stężeniem NO. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań można stwierdzić, że uszkodzenie mięśni wywołane intensywnym wysiłkiem fizycznym zwiększa wytwarzanie NO, który może odgrywać istotną rolę w adaptacji organizmu do wysiłku fizycznego

GENES IN SPORT AND DOPING

Genes control biological processes such as muscle production of energy, mitochondria biogenesis, bone formation erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, vasodilation, neurogenesis, etc. DNA profiling for athletes reveals genetic variations that may be associated with endurance ability, muscle performance and power exercise, tendon susceptibility to injuries and psychological aptitude. Already, over 200 genes relating to physical performance have been identified by several research groups. Athletes’ genotyping is developing as a tool for the formulation of personalized training and nutritional programmes to optimize sport training as well as for the prediction of exercise-related injuries. On the other hand, development of molecular technology and gene therapy creates a risk of non-therapeutic use of cells, genes and genetic elements to improve athletic performance. Therefore, the World Anti-Doping Agency decided to include prohibition of gene doping within their World Anti-Doping Code in 2003. In this review article, we will provide a current overview of genes for use in athletes’ genotyping and gene doping possibilities, including their development and detection techniques

The Potential of the Quick Detection of Selectins Using Raman Spectroscopy to Discriminate Lung Cancer Patients from Healthy Subjects

This study aimed at determining the concentration of P-selectins in lung cancer patients in different stages and healthy subjects. Then, the ability of the methodology developed to discriminate the existence of lung cancer was also evaluated. Serum spectra were obtained using Raman spectroscopy (RS). Blood samples were taken from subjects divided into two groups: group 1—comparing data from 22 patients clinically diagnosed with cancer before versus after medical intervention; group 2—comparing data from 10 palliative patients versus 17 healthy volunteers. The RS analysis of the samples revealed the presence of five very similar peaks in both groups 1 and 2. This leads to the conclusion that a medical intervention in cancer cases gives results comparable to those obtained from healthy subjects. The study indicates that the use of Raman spectroscopy can produce a better classification of cancer patients. However, diagnostically the results have not been statistically significant, probably due to the limited number of samples gathered. A larger number of samples would be required for future verification

The Level of Anxiety and Depression in Dialysis Patients Undertaking Regular Physical Exercise Training - a Preliminary Study

Background/Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a six-month physical training undertaken by haemodialysis (HD) patients, on the depression and anxiety. Methods: Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) were recruited from the dialysis station at the Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine in Wroclaw. Physical training took place at the beginning of the first 4-hours of dialysis, three times a week for six months. A personal questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used in the study. Results: A total of 28 patients completed the study: 20 were randomised to endurance training and 8 were randomised to resistance training. Statistical analysis of depression and anxiety at the initial (t1) and final examination (t2) indicated a significant reduction in depression and anxiety, particularly anxiety as a trait (X2) in the whole study group. The change in anxiety as a state correlated with the disease duration, duration of dialysis and the initial level of anxiety as a state (t1X1). The change in anxiety as a trait significantly correlated with age and the initial level of anxiety (t1X2). Conclusions: Undertaking physical training during dialysis by patients with ESRD is beneficial in reducing their levels of anxiety and depression. Both resistance and endurance training improves mood, but only endurance training additionally results in anxiety reduction

The Effects of Aquatic Exercises on Physical Fitness and Muscle Function in Dialysis Patients

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 3-month physical training program, conducted in an aquatic environment with end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD), on the physical fitness and functional parameters of the knee joint muscles. Patients and Methods. The study included 20 ESDR patients with mean age 64.2±13.1 y. treated with hemodialysis in Dialysis Center of the University Hospital in Wroclaw. Before and 3 months after the physical training in water, a test was performed to evaluate the physical fitness of each patient; additionally, a measurement was taken of force-velocity parameters. The 3-month training program took place on nonhemodialysis days, in the recreational pool of the University of Physical Education in Wroclaw. Results. After aquatic training cycle, an improvement was observed in all parameters measured using the Fullerton test. The value of peak torque and its relation to body mass increased in the movement of flexors and extensors of left and right lower extremities in all tested velocities. Conclusions. In assessing the physical fitness of studied women, the biggest improvement was achieved in tests assessing the strength of upper and lower extremities as well as lower body flexibility. Higher values of force-velocity parameters are conducive to women achieving better physical fitness test results

Evaluation of Exercise Tolerance in Dialysis Patients Performing Tai Chi Training: Preliminary Study

Introduction. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have poor physical performance and exercise capacity due to frequent dialysis treatments. Tai Chi exercises can be very useful in the area of rehabilitation of people with ESRD. Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess exercise capacity in ESRD patients participating in 6-month Tai Chi training. Patients and Methods. Twenty dialysis patients from Wroclaw took part in the training; at the end of the project, 14 patients remained (age 69.2±8.6 years). A 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and spiroergometry were performed at the beginning and after 6 months of training. Results. After 6 months of Tai Chi, significant improvements were recorded in mean distance in the 6MWT (387.89 versus 436.36 m), rate of perceived exertion (7.4 versus 4.7), and spiroergometry (8.71 versus 10.08 min). Conclusions. In the ESRD patients taking part in Tai Chi training, a definite improvement in exercise tolerance was recorded after the 6-month training. Tai Chi exercises conducted on days without dialysis can be an effective and interesting form of rehabilitation for patients, offering them a chance for a better quality of life and fewer falls and hospitalisations that are the result of it