Comparison of the Efficacy of Dextrose Prolotherapy and Ozone in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dextrose prolotherapy, ozone therapy, and home exercise programs in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Seventy-five patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into three groups, with 25 in each group. At week 0 (baseline), week 3, and week 6, 12.5% dextrose (intraarticular and periarticular) was administered to the dextrose prolotherapy group. At week 0 (baseline), week 1, and week 2 15 μg/mL ozone (intraarticular and periarticular) was administered to the ozone therapy group. Both groups were also given a home exercise program. The third group was given a home-based exercise therapy program for 12 weeks. All groups were evaluated for VAS, WOMAC, TUG, ROM-active, and ROM-passive values at weeks 0 (baseline), 6, and 12. Ozone therapy more effectively improved VAS scores than dextrose prolotherapy and VAS and WOMAC scores than home-based exercise therapy in the 6th week. Ozone therapy also more effectively improved VAS and WOMAC-stiffness scores than dextrose prolotherapy and VAS, WOMAC, and ROM-active scores than home-based exercise therapy in the 12th week. Both dextrose prolotherapy and ozone therapy are effective in knee osteoarthritis treatment. Ozone therapy should be used in suitable cases rather than dextrose prolotherapy

Serum BDNF and Selenium Levels in Elite Athletes Exposed to Blows

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the combined acute and long-term effects of exposure to blows and exercise on serum BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and selenium levels. Materials and Methods: Serum BDNF and selenium levels were determined in 40 male elite athletes before and after vigorous exercise (training match) with a probability of exposure to blows and in 10 sedentary men subjected to exercise (Astrand running protocol). Results: Serum BDNF levels were found 11.50 ± 3.50 ng/mL before exercise and 14.02 ± 3.15 ng/mL after exercise in the athlete group (p = 0.02), and 12.18 ± 4.55 ng/ mL and 11.74 ± 2.48 ng/ mL before and after exercise in the sedentary group, respectively (p = 0.873). Serum BDNF (pre-exercise, baseline) levels were slightly lower in the athlete group than those in the sedentary group (11.50 ± 3.50 and 12.18 ± 4.55 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.796). Pre-exercise serum selenium levels in athletes were significantly higher compared to those of sedentary participants (130.53 ± 36.79 and 95.51 ± 20.57 µg/L, respectively, p = 0.011). There was no difference in selenium levels after exercise (124.01 ± 29.96 µg/L) compared to pre-exercise (130.53 ± 36.79 µg/L) in the athlete group (p = 0.386). Similarly, there was no difference in selenium levels after exercise (113.28 ± 25.51 µg/L) compared to pre-exercise (95.51 ± 20.57 µg/L) in the sedentary group (p = 0.251). Conclusions: BDNF results show that even if athletes are exposed to blows, they may be protected from the long-term effects of blows thanks to the protective effect of their non-sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise may have a protective effect on maintaining serum selenium levels in athletes even exposed to blows chronically

Elevated serum interleukin-23 levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients and the relationship with disease activity

This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum interleukin-23 (IL-23) levels and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Twenty male patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis according to the 1984 modified New York criteria for AS and twenty male healthy controls were included in this study. The demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings of the patients were recorded. Serum IL-23 levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in both the AS and control groups. The Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity ındex (BASDAI), the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI) were evaluated as disease activity parameters. The AS patients were divided into two subgroups as active and inactive in respect of CRP, ESR levels and BASDAI scores. The mean serum IL-23 levels of the AS and control groups were 334.45±176.54 pg/ml and 166.49±177.50 pg/ml respectively, and there was a significant difference between the groups. Correlation analysis of serum IL-23 levels with clinical and laboratory parameters showed that there were positive correlations between serum IL-23 levels and the BASDAI, BASFI scores in total, active and inactive patients and the BASMI scores in total and inactive patients and negative correlations between serum IL-23 levels and ESR in inactive patients. It was shown that altered serum IL-23 levels were related to AS disease activity. Further studies in large patient series are necessary to investigate the role of IL-23 protein in etiopathogenesis of AS

Does Single or Combined Caffeine and Taurine Supplementation Improve Athletic and Cognitive Performance without Affecting Fatigue Level in Elite Boxers? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

In previous studies, the effect of single or combined intake of caffeine (CAF) and taurine (TAU) on exercise performance was investigated. However, the potential synergistic effect on physical and cognitive performance after fatigue induced by anaerobic exercise is unknown. The effects of single and combination CAF and TAU supplementation on the Wingate test in elite male boxers and to evaluate balance, agility and cognitive performance after fatigue are being investigated for the first time in this study. Twenty elite male boxers 22.14 ± 1.42 years old were divided into four groups in this double-blind, randomized crossover study: CAF (6 mg/kg of caffeine), TAU (3 g single dose of taurine), CAF*TAU (co-ingestion of 3 g single dose of taurine and 6 mg/kg of caffeine) and PLA (300 mg maltodextrin). The findings are as follows: co-ingestion of CAF*TAU, improved peak (W/kg), average (W), minimum (W) power, time to reach (s), and RPE performances compared to the PLA group significantly (p p p < 0.05) compared to the PLA group. In terms of cognitive performance, co-ingestion of CAF*TAU significantly improved the neutral reaction time (ms) compared to the TAU, CAF and PLA groups. As a result, elite male boxers performed better in terms of agility, balance and cognitive function when they consumed a combination of 6 mg/kg CAF and 3 g TAU. It has been determined that the combined use of these supplements is more effective than their single use

Postural stability and fall risk in adult patients with familial mediterranean fever

INTRODUCTION: In this study, our purpose was to determine the postural stability and fall risk by an objective computerized technique in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), together with their relevant potential risk factors for falls. METHODS: 45 patients diagnosed with FMF (mean age 31+-10 years; range 17 to 53 years) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 31+-9 years; range 18 to 50 years) were included in the study. We used the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I) for assessment of fall efficacy. The disease severity score was assessed. Stability Index (SI), Weight Distribution Index (WDI), and fall risk analysis were performed by the computerized posturography device. RESULTS: The rate of falls in the last year was higher in the patient group (p&lt;0.05). Significant differences were found between groups regarding SI and WDI values (p&lt;0.05). A higher fall risk was determined in the patient group (p&lt;0.05). However, except female gender, no significant relationships were found between SI, WDI, and fall risk and disease-related factors such as age, body mass index, duration and severity of the disease, the last 1-year fall history, and FES-I (r&lt;0.3, p&gt;0.05). Moreover, while significant positive correlations were determined between all parameters of SI and fall risk (r&gt;0.3, p&lt;0.001), no relationship was found between WDI and fall risk (r&lt;0.3, p&gt;0.05) except close eyes-head extended (HB-WDI) (r= 0.003, p&lt;0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Postural stability was impaired and fall risk increased in FMF. This result might result from FMF disease or many other factors being capable of affecting the balance

The Effects of Short-Term Intensive Exercise on Levels of Liver Enzymes and Serum Lipids in Kick Boxing Athletes

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the ef­fects of short-term intensive exercise on liver enzymes and serum lipid levels with kick boxing athletes. Methods: 23 voluntary athletes who were between the ages of 15-46 and who engaged in kick–boxing have tak­en place this study. Athletes were made to do 45 minutes of warming-up, breathing, and stretching and 50 minutes of technical and tactical practices and then they were made to do a training match, which is equal to a 2 min­utes 3 circuits (1 minute rest) kick-box match. In venous blood samples which were taken from athletes before and after training, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), enzyme activity and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides serum levels were analyzed via spectropho­tometric method in Beckman Coulter AU 5800 auto ana­lyzer. Body composition measurements of athletes were made with Tanita TBF 300 brand device, which works with bio-impedance analysis (BIA) system. Results: As a result of our study, statistically increases in serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT enzyme activities and in serum total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were detected following short-term intensive exercise, but no significant difference was observed in TG levels after in­tensive exercise. Conclusion: The blows to the abdomen during kickbox­ing sports competitions result in increased liver enzymes and increased serum lipids may occur to meet energy de­mand of the body during exercise

The Effects of Short-Term Intensive Exercise on Levels of Liver Enzymes and Serum Lipids in Kick Boxing Athletes

Amaç: Bu çalışmada kick boks sporcularında kısa süreli yoğun egzersizin karaciğer enzimleri ve serum lipit dü- zeylerine olan etkisini araştırmak amaçlanmıştır. Yöntemler: Çalışmaya 15-46 yaş arası kick boks sporu ile uğraşan 23 gönüllü sporcu katılmıştır. Sporculara, 40 dakikalık ısınma, açma ve germe hareketleri, 50 dakikalık teknik ve taktik uygulamaları sonrasında 2 dakika süreyle 3 devreden (1 dk. dinlenme) oluşan kick boks müsabaka- sına eşdeğer bir antrenman maçı yaptırıldı. Sporculardan antrenman öncesi ve sonrasında alınan venöz kan ör- neklerinde aspartat aminotransferaz (AST), alanin amino transferaz (ALT), alkalen fosfataz (ALP) ve gama gluta- mil transferaz (GGT) enzim aktiviteleri ve total kolesterol, yüksek dansiteli lipoprotein-kolesterol (HDL-K), düşük dansiteli lipoprotein-kolesterol (LDL-K) ve trigliserit serum düzeyleri Beckman Coulter AU 5800 oto analizöründe spektrofotometrik yöntem ile analiz edildi. Sporcuların vücut kompozisyonu ölçümleri bioimpedans analiz (BİA) sistemi ile çalışan Tanita TBF 300 marka cihaz ile yapıldı. Bulgular: Çalışmamız sonucunda egzersiz sonrasında serum AST, ALT, ALP ve GGT enzim aktivitelerinde ve serum total kolesterol, HDL-K ve LDL- K düzeylerinde is- tatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir artış olduğu, TG seviyelerinde ise anlamlı bir fark oluşmadığı tespit edildi. Sonuç: Sonuç olarak kick boks sporunda antrenman ve müsabakalar esnasında karın bölgesine alınan darbele- rin, karaciğer enzim düzeylerinde yükselmelere neden olduğunu ve egzersize bağlı artan enerji ihtiyacını karşı- lamak için de serum lipit düzeylerinde bir yükselme oldu- ğunu söyleyebilirizObjective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the ef- fects of short-term intensive exercise on liver enzymes and serum lipid levels with kick boxing athletes. Methods: 23 voluntary athletes who were between the ages of 15-46 and who engaged in kickboxing have tak- en place this study. Athletes were made to do 45 minutes of warming-up, breathing, and stretching and 50 minutes of technical and tactical practices and then they were made to do a training match, which is equal to a 2 min- utes 3 circuits (1 minute rest) kick-box match. In venous blood samples which were taken from athletes before and after training, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), enzyme activity and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides serum levels were analyzed via spectropho- tometric method in Beckman Coulter AU 5800 auto ana- lyzer. Body composition measurements of athletes were made with Tanita TBF 300 brand device, which works with bio-impedance analysis (BIA) system. Results: As a result of our study, statistically increases in serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT enzyme activities and in serum total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were detected following short-term intensive exercise, but no significant difference was observed in TG levels after in- tensive exercise. Conclusion: The blows to the abdomen during kickbox- ing sports competitions result in increased liver enzymes and increased serum lipids may occur to meet energy de- mand of the body during exercise

The effect of high-intensity intermittent and moderate-intensity continuous exercises on neurobiological markers and cognitive performance

Abstract Background The effects of exercise on cognitive functions and general brain health have been increasingly studied. Such studies conducted among athletes are very important to understanding the effects of different exercise methods on biochemical parameters and cognitive performance. The present study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) based on biochemical parameters and cognitive performance in athletes. Methods A total of twenty-eight elite male boxing athletes aged > 18 years, with at least eight years of training experience, who successfully achieved national and international levels were included in this study. The elite athletes participating in the study were aged 24.43 ± 4.72 years, 14.45 ± 5.89 years of training experience, had a body weight of 74.64 ± 7.82 kg, and had a height of 177 ± 7.15 cm. Athletes who consumed any stimulants during the testing or supplementation phase, nutritional supplements, or steroids that may have affected hormone levels or sports performance in the last three months were excluded from this study. Venous blood samples were obtained, and cognitive performance tests (Stroop tests) were applied (i) immediately after high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE), (ii) one hour after HIIE, (iii) immediately after moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), and (iv) one hour after MICE. Serum BDNF, S100B, and NSE levels were measured after each session. Results Serum BDNF levels were significantly (F = 2.142, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.589) greater in the HIIE group (5.65 ± 1.79 ng/mL) than in the control group (1.24 ± 0.54 ng/mL) and MICE group (3.38 ± 1.29 ng/mL) for the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Serum S100B levels were significantly (F = 3.427, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.427) greater in the HIIE group (71.92 ± 23.05 ng/L) than in the control group (47.39 ± 15.78 ng/L), however there was no significant difference between the HIIE and MICE groups (59.62 ± 28.90 ng/L) in the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Serum NSE levels were significantly (F = 1.475, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.312) greater in the HIIE group (14.57 ± 2.52 ng/mL) than in the control group (9.51 ± 3.44 ng/ML mL), however there was no significant difference between the HIIE and MICE groups (59.62 ± 28.90 ng/L) in the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Compared with control groups, both HIIE and MICE improved cognitive performance demonstrated by the Stroop test results. Again, HIIE was superior to MICE in terms of Stroop task reaction time and error rate (incongruent task) scores. Conclusion HIIE and MICE have favorable effects on improving cognitive performance and neuroprotection in an athlete population. HIIE is considered to be superior to MICE in improving neuroprotection and cognitive performance. Our study has remarkable results demonstrating the benefits of HIIT on neuroprotection and cognitive performance. HIIE is recommended instead of MICE, especially in sports where cognitive performance is more important